Holders Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik will not get the chance to defend their title in Odense after being outclassed by Chen Bo Yang/Liu Yi 22-20 21-15 in the VICTOR Denmark Open 2024 quarterfinals.

Completing their ‘revenge mission’ in 41 minutes, the Chinese No.3 now enter a Super 750 semifinal following a year’s wait.

“This is also the first one in 2024 so it’s a great breakthrough for us as a pair,” said Liu. “The key was to push the Malaysians. Apply pressure and keep coming forward. We watched our last match with them and realised the big difference at the front court. The focus wasn’t on finishing the shots quickly but to make the rallies long and stable, then smash.”

The pairs clashed just last week at the Arctic Open, where the Chinese duo fell in straight games in the first round. They were also 2-0 down to their opponents coming into the match.

“It’s sweet revenge for us and finally we could beat them. It’s a great step forward for us to challenge the bigger pairs. The win makes us feel we’ve unlocked a new level but it’s also true they aren’t quite at their best and the court conditions worked in our favour.”

Next up in the semifinals are Olympic silver medallists Liang Wei Keng/Wang Chang. This will be their second meeting; Liang/Wang won at last year’s China Masters.

Pressed if they would speak to their teammates before the match, Chen laughed: “It’s a secret.”

Meanwhile, home hero Anders Antonsen made his third Denmark Open semifinal after a highly-charged match with Li Shi Feng. Antonsen came through 12-21 21-8 22-20.

The world No.4 said: “I’ve faced him multiple times, he likes to stare me down, get in your face a little bit and shout. I don’t care about stuff like that. It’s in the moment, it’s heated, and it’s how the game is but it’s fun.

“It’s all good. I respect him. No matter what, he’s a phenomenal player who has already achieved great things. It was great to play him and I’m sure we will have more tense battles in future.”

Antonsen plays Kenta Nishimoto for a place in the final.

→ Results (Quarterfinals)

→ Order of play (Semifinals)

WHAT OTHERS SAID

“This is my first tournament after the Olympics but it’s not overwhelming. I’m not focusing so much on points or winning. I want to play with joy and no stress.” – An Se Young after beating Supanida Katethong 12-21 21-10 21-12

“I’m happy we have training again Monday. We must be proud of this, it’s a 750 quarterfinal on home soil. We are disappointed but that’s a good thing because we know we can show a better level.” – Jesper Toft on his and Amalie Magelund’s loss to Tang Chung Man/Tse Ying Suet

“There were plenty of Indian fans in the arena and their support always means a lot. There were Telugu people, maybe from Hyderabad. I’m thankful to each one of them. I’m grateful it’s been a good run, these matches definitely make a difference in terms of stepping forward and doing much better for the audience.” – Pusarla V. Sindhu on how the Indian support in Denmark outdid Indonesia’s

“Can’t quite believe it. I’ve never got this far at a 750. I like to relax after matches like this by scrolling through TikTok and eating my favourite food.” – Putri Kasuma Wardani on making her first Super 750 semifinal after defeating Yeo Jia Min 20-22 21-11 21-18

“I’m sorry for the long match and that you all had to wait to speak to me but I love the long game. I’m 100 per cent ready to go again in the semifinal.” – Kenta Nishimoto jokes with reporters after his 87-minute win over defending champion Weng Hong Yang