Traditionally, the winner of the World Tour Race was the player who won the most ranking points in a calendar year. That all changed last year with the introduction of the World Tour Finals!
Nathalie Vogel and Kresten Hougaard won the first edition in Zurich. Who will be crowned the winner in Mumbai this weekend?
Part 1 of our preview will focus on the Women who have qualified for this year’s edition.
Let’s get to know the players!
Pauline Cavé and Anna-Klara Ahlmer have both been ranked number 1 in the world this year. The Frenchwoman has held the honour since October, but for most of the year, it’s been the Swede in the top position.
Pauline Cavé has had a great year, winning elite singles titles at the German Open, Racket Masters Augsberg and the Austrian Open. However, she singled out her semi-final win against Stine Jacobsen in the Berlin Open as her best match of the year.
“I’m happy to be back in India to compete against the best… and to share some good times with all the players,” said Cavé.
Pauline won the title at the Willingdon Sports Club last year. Can she win again?
Anna-Klara Ahlmer has been more relaxed than usual. She’s taken a break from racketlon since the World Championships, but continuing to play table tennis and squash.
“I wasn’t planning on going, but then I thought it would be a fun trip and nice to see everyone again!” said Ahlmer. “The results will be interesting though, still haven’t held my badminton racket since Rotterdam.”
Despite the lack of badminton practice, players would be foolish to take Anna-Klara lightly. She won singles titles in Finland, Berlin and Hamburg this year. Her best results? Getting to the final of the World Singles and winning the World doubles. “Me and Stine played such an incredible match!”
Holly Ranson is the current Under 21 World Champion. Whilst acknowledging the great result, she had more fun in a battle with Pauline Cavé in Austria, “a great match of two halves,” Ranson described.
“I am really excited about having qualified for India as it will be great to see everyone and compete again this year. It will also be good to have a week off of school 😂,” she added.
Stine Jacobsen was the runner-up of the World Tour Finals last year. The 2-time World Singles Champion won the Polish Open and the Swiss Open in 2025. According to Stine, “I think my best results this year was World Championship gold in WD [Women’s Doubles] and silver in XD [Mixed Doubles].”
The Dane is excited to return to India. “It means that I once again get the chance to compete with the best girls in the world. I also can’t wait to play at the Willingdon Club. It is a very special place and certainly the most beautiful surroundings I have ever played in.
Adeline Kilchenmann has risen to a career-best position of number 6 in the world. “Qualifying for this event is a great reward for the dedication I put in this year,” she said. Her best result was winning the elite singles title at the Norwegian Open.
“I also look forward to learning more about India and its culture!” Adeline said.
Stephanie Chung broke through with her first elite singles World Tour title in Massachusetts this year. However, she identified reaching the finals in Poland and Hong Kong as her best results.
When asked what she was most looking forward to about the World Tour Finals, she said, “the historic and beautiful facilities at Willingdon Club, the level of competition, and starting every morning with a cup of masala chai!”
How will it work?
We’ve met all 6 players – they’ll be drawn into two groups of three. The top two seeds, Anna-Klara Ahlmer & World Number 1, Pauline Cavé, have been placed into positions 1 of Group A & B respectively. The other 4 players will be drawn randomly.
Saturday will be the group matches, where everyone will play their two opponents in the same group. All matches in the Women’s event will be under normal racketlon rules, i.e. first to 21 points.
The top two women of each group qualify for the semi finals on Sunday morning, before the final in the afternoon. Only then will we know the winner of the 2025 World Tour Finals!
The draw will be available shortly: Group A | Group B | Position 1-4 | Position 5-6
Coming soon: World Tour Finals – Part 2, which will focus on the Men.
