PARIS, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- Top seed Shi Yuqi of China battled past compatriot Weng Hongyang in a grueling three-game contest on Friday to advance to the men's singles semifinals of the Badminton World Championships for the first time in seven years.
Shi eventually prevailed 2-1 (21-15, 7-21, 21-10) and will next face one of the tournament's biggest surprises, Canadian rising star Victor Lai.
In the quarterfinals, Lai stunned 2021 world champion Loh Kean Yew from Singapore with a fearless performance. The 20-year-old Canadian showcased blistering pace, precision, and sharp opportunism. Loh had led 17-12 in the opening game, but Lai kept his composure, rallied back, and snatched the game before sealing a historic victory 2-0 (22-20, 21-18).
"Unbelievable. I'm still shocked. I'm really happy and very thankful for all my supporters, coaches and family," Lai said.
By reaching the semifinals, he became the first Canadian ever to medal at the World Championships. "I tried not to think about it too much. I knew I had a chance, but I just had to go out there and do my best."
Friday's results also ensured that China secured medals in all five disciplines, as the World Championships does not feature a bronze medal playoff.
In the women's doubles, there was an all-Chinese clash as Liu Shengshu/Tan Ning came from behind to defeat teammates Jia Yifan/Zhang Shuxian 19-21, 21-16, 21-9. The young pair will meet Japan's Rin Iwanaga/Kie Nakanishi in the semifinals.
In the women's singles, fourth seed Chen Yufei overcame Thailand's Pornpawee Chochuwong in straight games. Although Chochuwong showed improved consistency and tactical variety, Chen held firm in the opener, clinching it 22-20 after a tense deuce, before growing in confidence to close the second game 21-14.
Chen will now face top seed An Se-young of South Korea in a highly anticipated semifinal showdown.
"Today my opponent was very determined and patient," Chen said. "After winning the first game, I felt more relaxed and could stay calmer in controlling the rallies. Tomorrow against An Se-young, I just want to fight hard, show my best, and leave no regrets."
In the men's doubles, debutants Chen Boyang/Liu Yi kept China's title hopes alive with a commanding 2-0 (21-15, 21-14) win over Chinese Taipei's Lee Jhe-huei/Yang Po-hsuan. They will next face India's Asian Games champions Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty.
As both seeded pairs advanced, China is also guaranteed a place in the mixed doubles final. Second seeds Jiang Zhenbang/Wei Yaxin and seventh seeds Guo Xinwa/Chen Fanghui each won their quarterfinals in straight games to set up an all-Chinese semifinal clash. ■
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