China’s Badminton Stars Reach Finals in Four Events at Japan Open
Chinese badminton players continued to shine at the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Japan Open, advancing to the finals in four of the five events after impressive performances in Saturday’s semifinals in Tokyo.
In the men’s singles, China’s top player Shi Yuqi secured his spot in the final after a hard-fought victory over French shuttler Christo Popov. Shi dominated the first game with a 21-12 win, but faced stiff competition in the second. Demonstrating resilience, he saved three game points before edging out Popov 28-26.
“It was a tough match, but I’m glad I held my nerve when it mattered most,” Shi said after the match. “I’m excited for the final and will give it my all.”
Shi will face defending champion Alex Lanier of France in Sunday’s final. Lanier, who stunned Shi in last year’s semifinals en route to his first BWF World Tour Super 750 title, will be looking to replicate his success.
In the women’s singles, the final will feature the tournament’s top two seeds. World No. 1 An Se-young of South Korea cruised past Japan’s Riko Gunji 21-12, 21-10. She is chasing her sixth title of the season. China’s Wang Zhiyi, the second seed, defeated home favorite Akane Yamaguchi 21-15, 21-18 to set up an exciting finale.
The women’s doubles saw China’s Liu Shengshu and Tan Ning overpower compatriots Zhang Shuxian and Zheng Yu with a convincing 21-7, 21-16 victory. They will compete for the title against Malaysia’s Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralitharan.
In mixed doubles action, the Chinese duo of Jiang Zhenbang and Wei Yaxin displayed exceptional teamwork to defeat Malaysia’s Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei 21-12, 21-16. They will face Thailand’s Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Supissara Paewsampran in the championship match.
The only event without a Chinese finalist is the men’s doubles. Malaysia’s Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin will battle South Korea’s Kim Won-ho and Seo Seung-jae for the title.
The finals promise thrilling matchups as China’s badminton stars aim to claim multiple titles at the Japan Open.
