In a gripping display of skill and perseverance, Chen Yufei secured her first Badminton Asia Championships title Sunday in Ningbo, east China's Zhejiang Province. The Olympic gold medalist staged a remarkable comeback to defeat compatriot Han Yue 11-21, 21-14, 21-9 in a 66-minute women's singles final, marking her return to peak form after an extended post-Olympic break.
The 27-year-old former World No. 1, who only resumed competitive play two months ago, told reporters she now approaches matches with renewed perspective: "I've learned to play more relaxed and enjoy the game rather than feeling stressed." Despite rating her performance "8 out of 10," Chen emphasized her continued progress toward regaining full competitive fitness.
Other highlights from the championship included Thailand's Kunlavut Vitidsarn claiming the men's singles title after China's Lu Guangzu retired due to injury. China's Liu Shengshu and Tan Ning dominated the women's doubles, while Malaysia's Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik triumphed in men's doubles. Tang Chun Man and Tse Ying Suet of China's Hong Kong SAR earned the mixed doubles crown.
