Badminton fans were presented with a glimpse into the future today. And for Team Japan it was perhaps the passing of the baton from master to apprentice.

Former world junior champion and 18-year-old bright spark Tomoka Miyazaki proved too good for countrywoman Akane Yamaguchi 22-20 21-15 in their VICTOR China Open 2024 semifinal.

Yamaguchi’s glittering career remains an inspiration for the next generation of Japan’s women’s singles stars coming through the system. But it was the younger Miyazaki who had all the answers today.

Tomoka Miyazaki puts in the hard work to clinch the point!

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“My target before the start of the tournament was to reach the quarterfinals. So, I’m extremely happy to have won yesterday’s match and today’s match. It’s my dream and goal to play in tomorrow’s final,” Miyazaki said.

“At the start of the second game, my opponent changed her game plan. I was aware of it and adjusted my plan also. I was able to maintain my form until the end of the match.

“Although today I didn’t play at the pace I’m capable of, I felt that I played at a reasonable level.

“I’m happy I’m now able to play in a Super 1000 final. With every match win I slowly grow in confidence and improve my form.

“I will take tomorrow’s final as a challenge to reach greater heights.”

Yamaguchi praised her junior and pointed to her wisdom beyond her years.

“Today I had difficulty increasing the pace of the game whereas my opponent had great control of the rhythm of her game.

“She made very few unforced errors. She was also very attack oriented today, and very aggressive.

“[She] was very outstanding. She played at a level beyond her age. She remained extremely calm, and her movement was excellent,” she said.

Miyazaki plays third seed Wang Zhi Yi in the final. Wang prevented an all-Japanese final accounting for Aya Ohori 21-15 21-18. Watch the highlights.

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