Germany: In one of the gutsiest comebacks on his career, French Open champion Chou Tien Chen clawing his way back in the decider from 0-6, 4-11, to level the score at 17-17, 19-19 against his Chinese opponent Tian Houwei in Bitburger Open semi-final.
A moment of controversy came at 19-19 in the third set, when Tian Houwei flicked the shuttlecock towards Chou Tien Chen while Chou was not ready, and Tian was ordered by the umpire to restart the service. Tian repeated the same quick flick two more times until the tournament referee got involve to calm both players down and urged them to resume playing at Tian’s fourth service.
Keeping his emotions under control, Chou stepped up the tempo to reel off two straight points to eventually win an enthralling Bitburger Open semi-final match.
In another men’s singles semi-final, Ireland’s Scott Evans defeated India’s HS Prannoy 21-16, 21-10 in 33 minutes.
Meanwhile, Sun Yu of China defeated reigning world champion Carolina Marin of Spain 21-19, 21-14 in women’s singles semi-final. Sun will play compatriot He Bing Jiao in the final on Sunday.
