Koki Watanabe kept his record against Paris 2024 bronze medalist Lee Zii Jia unblemished, winning their third encounter 21-15 13-21 21-12 at CLASH ROYALE Arctic Open 2024 on Friday.

The Japanese world No.14, whose previous two victories over the third seed were in straight games, took advantage after Lee’s mobility seemed affected following an awkward fall in the opener. Despite winning the second game, Lee was not moving freely and Watanabe closed out the third in 22 minutes to advance to a semifinal clash against Chou Tien Chen.

Chinese Taipei’s Chou came through an 87-minute marathon against rising French youngster Alex Lanier 22-20 13-21 21-19 to reach the final.

Lee is the only defending champion to bow out, with Han Yue, Kim Astrup/Anders Skaarup Rasmussen, Liu Sheng Shu/Tan Ning and Feng Yan Zhe/Huang Doing Ping all clearing their last eight hurdles.

Highlights:

• China Open champions Goh Sze Fei/Nur Izzuddin continue good form with second consecutive win over Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto.
• Ratchanok Intanon returns to Super 500 semifinal after over a year, beating compatriot Supanida Katethong in three games.
• Fellow Thai Kunlavut Vitidsarn avenges China Open last-four defeat to Kodai Naraoka with a straight-games win of his own.

→ Results (Quarterfinals)

→ Order of play (Semifinals)