Kuala Lumpur: In a thrilling comeback, Taiwan’s badminton sensation Tai Tzu-ying secured her spot in the women’s singles final at the 2024 Malaysia Open for the sixth time in her career. On Sunday, she is set to face the reigning world champion, An Se-Young, in what will be their 14th encounter.
Highlights of Tai Tzu Ying vs. Chen Yufei in the 2024 Malaysia Open semi-finals:
Tai Tzu-Ying displayed an unwavering spirit today, overcoming a deficit in the deciding game and miraculously scoring six consecutive points. She reversed the match against the Tokyo Olympic gold medalist, China’s Chen Yufei, with scores of 17-21, 21-15, and 21-18, ending a four-match losing streak against her.
Facing a 14-17 deficit in the deciding game, Tai Tzu-Ying persisted, leveling the score at 17-17. Subsequently, in an intense exchange of 51 shots, Tai Tzu-Ying executed a successful net shot, turning the tide and defeating Chen Yufei.
In a post-game interview, Tai Tzu-Ying acknowledged their familiarity with each other and emphasized the need to minimize errors. Reflecting on the 51-shot rally in the third game, she admitted feeling breathless but expressed relief at securing the crucial points.
Tai Tzu-Ying stated that she was better prepared for this encounter, recognizing Chen Yufei’s stability and focus. She emphasized the importance of concentrating on her own defense and minimizing errors to gain more points.
In another semi-final, An Se-Young breezed past Chinese player Zhang Yiman with scores of 21-17, 21-11, securing her second consecutive appearance in the women’s singles final. Last year, she fell short against Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi, and this year, she aims to challenge for her first title at the Malaysia Open.
Tai Tzu-Ying, a four-time champion in 2013, 2017, 2018, and 2019, seeks her fifth title and will strive to maintain her impeccable record in Malaysia, with her only loss in the final dating back to 2016 against Thailand’s Ratchanok Intanon.
Kim Won Ho/Jeong Na Eun will take on Yuta Watanabe/Arisa Higashino in the mixed doubles final while Liu Sheng Shu/Tan Ning to play teammates Zhang Shu Xian/Zheng Yu in the women’s doubles final.
