The stage is set for a blockbuster women's singles semi-final at the BWF World Tour Finals 2025 in Hangzhou, as world number one An Se-young of South Korea will face Japanese world champion Akane Yamaguchi in an immediate rematch of their group stage clash. The draw for the last four was confirmed after the conclusion of the group matches on Friday.
Women's Draw: A Champion's Rematch
In a thrilling preview of the semi-final, An Se-young overcame Akane Yamaguchi in a three-game Group A battle. Yamaguchi started strong, taking the first game with powerful smashes, but the reigning Paris Olympics champion fought back, capitalising on her opponent's errors to dominate the second game. The decider was closely contested, but An's resilient defence saw her through with a score of 14-21, 21-5, 21-14.
In Group B, Thailand's former world champion Ratchanok Intanon secured her semi-final berth by defeating China's Han Yue 21-17, 21-10. She finished second in the group behind China's Wang Zhiyi, who won both her matches. The draw pits Intanon against Wang Zhiyi, while An Se-young will take on Yamaguchi once more on Saturday. Thailand's Pornpawee Chochuwong had earlier exited the tournament due to an injury.
Men's Semis: Shi and Popov Lead the Charge
The men's semi-final line-up features the sport's top stars. China's world champion Shi Yuqi topped Group B after a commanding 21-9, 21-11 victory over Japan's Kodai Naraoka. He will now face Thailand's Paris Olympics silver medallist, Kunlavut Vitidsarn, who finished second in Group A.
Vitidsarn secured his spot after a hard-fought win against Denmark's Anders Antonsen (21-15, 18-21, 21-13). "Really happy. It was difficult to control, I had to attack first. It was a long match with long rallies and I am very tired," Vitidsarn said after his match.
The other semi-final will see a surprise package, France's Christo Popov, take on Japan's Kodai Naraoka. Popov topped Group A after rallying to beat Indonesia's Jonatan Christie 18-21, 21-16, 21-13. An elated Popov highlighted the significance of his achievement for French badminton: "This means a lot to me. I think fans in France are really looking forward to watching me play tomorrow... I think these kinds of results are good for France and show that we are growing as a nation."
Injury Marrs Group Stage Conclusion
The group stage concluded with an unfortunate injury. China's Asian Games gold medallist Li Shifeng was forced to retire from his match against Taiwan's Chou Tien-chen after twisting his right foot. The incident occurred while Li was leading 21-14, 14-11. Both players had already been eliminated from semi-final contention after losing their first two matches.
The semi-finals of the prestigious season-ending tournament are scheduled for Saturday, promising high-octane action as the players vie for a place in the final and the coveted World Tour Finals title.
