China’s World No. 1 badminton player Shi Yuqi showcased resilience and skill as he overcame Chou Tien-chen of Chinese Taipei in a thrilling quarterfinal match at the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Malaysia Open on Friday.
The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, beginning with a tightly contested first game. The score was knotted at 10-all before Shi surged ahead, securing six consecutive points to take the lead and eventually claiming the game 21-16.
Chou demonstrated remarkable determination in the second game. Trailing 18-13, he staged a comeback to win the game 21-19, with the decisive point delicately tipping over the net. This leveled the match at one game apiece, setting the stage for a decisive third game.
In the final game, Chou took an early 6-2 lead. However, Shi rallied, increasing his intensity and overturning the deficit to win 21-17, securing his spot in the semifinals with a 2-1 victory. This win marks Shi’s fourth consecutive triumph over Chou.
Shi will face his compatriot Li Shifeng in the semifinals, ensuring at least one Chinese shuttler advances to the final. Li secured his place in the last four by defeating Chi Yu-yen of Chinese Taipei. Despite dropping the first game 14-21, Li bounced back to win the next two games 21-13 and 21-7, demonstrating his formidable form.
In the mixed doubles category, China’s top seeds Feng Yanzhe and Huang Dongping continued their impressive run. They defeated the sixth-seeded pair from Chinese Taipei, Yang Po-Hsuan and Hu Ling Fang, in straight games, 21-19, 21-14. Feng and Huang will next face Malaysia’s Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei for a place in the finals.
The upcoming matches promise thrilling encounters as China’s badminton stars continue to shine at the BWF Malaysia Open.
