Japanese teenager Tomoka Miyazaki’s rapid ascent at the senior level continued as she made her first semifinal at a HSBC BWF World Tour Super 1000 tournament.

The 18-year-old shook off a late surge by Yeo Jia Min in the first game of their VICTOR China Open 2024 quarterfinal to cruise through, 21-18 21-6 in 32 minutes, making it an all-Japanese semifinal against Akane Yamaguchi.

“This is my second Super 1000 event. Before the tournament my goal was to reach the quarterfinals, so I’m happy that I could play today’s quarterfinal,” said Miyazaki.

“I went in with a strong desire to win. If I could win, my next goal was to achieve a better result and reach a higher level.”

Miyazaki led throughout the first game and appeared to be in control at 18-13, but Yeo fought back with five straight points.

“My opponent’s crosscourt drop shots are very good, and she can also hit deep with her backhand, so I was wary of that during the match. Her smashes are also very strong. In the second game she picked up pace so I also had to do the same. I did a lot of retrieving as well.”

Miyazaki has come up the ranks quickly and said the support from fans kept her going despite the pressure.

“I feel a bit pressure. But hearing all the support when I’m playing, I’m happy. Instead of thinking of it as pressure, it motivates me.”

Other Results

» Goh Soon Huat and Lai Shevon Jemie achieved their first win in six matches against Jiang Zheng Bang/Wei Ya Xin, 23-21 21-16 to reach their third semifinal of the year. Up next will be another home pair, Cheng Xing/Zhang Chi, who are in their first Super 1000 semifinal.

» New pair Muhammad Shohibul Fikri/Daniel Marthin are in their third semifinal from four tournaments. The Indonesians beat Rasmus Kjaer/Frederik Sogaard 21-19 21-19.

What They Said

“We’d never beaten them and now they’re on home ground, but glad we didn’t let that affect us. The special part was telling myself that I need to overcome this fear. Both of us did really well in that. The conditions helped us, the wind was very strong, and that gave us the edge.” – Lai Shevon Jemie

“I played all right, but I was playing the former No.1. But I’m happy I could put up a good show. The last match against her helped me get confidence, but she’s Yamaguchi. I need to keep improving because she’s not the same person I played last time.” – Malvika Bansod