
In the men’s singles semifinal, reigning world champion Shi of China faced two-time Olympic gold medalist Viktor Axelsen. Shi narrowly won the first game 21-19, lost the second 17-21, but regained his rhythm in the decider to win 21-17.
Axelsen, 31, recently returned to form after enduring a challenging six months to recover from a back surgery in April and missed the World Championships in August. His semifinal appearance on home soil marks a promising comeback for the Danish star.
“I think this tournament is important for my career. It shows me that I actually can get back to my best. This gives me the belief that I can play with the best players again. I didn’t dare to believe I could do it after my surgery,” said Axelsen.
Shi will face Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie in Sunday’s final. Christie edged France’s Alex Lanier in another three-game semifinal.
In a highly anticipated women’s singles semifinal, top seed An of South Korea overcame three-time world champion Akane Yamaguchi of Japan 16-21, 21-10, 21-9, avenging her recent loss to Yamaguchi at the Korea Open. Their head-to-head record is now tied at 15-15.
An will meet China’s Wang Zhiyi, who defeated compatriot Han Yue in the other semifinal.
In men’s doubles, Indonesia’s Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Shohibul Fikri beat China’s Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang in straight games. They will meet Japan’s Takuro Hoki and Yugo Kobayashi, who outlasted India’s Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty in a match that went to three games.