What are the odds of a previous match from an earlier tournament, involving your rivals, unsettling you during your own?

For Han Yue, it nearly became a reality in her HSBC BWF World Tour Finals 2024 opener versus Akane Yamaguchi, whose younger compatriot Tomoka Miyazaki’s collapse against An Se Young at last month’s China Masters almost throwing the second seed off her game at the Hangzhou Olympic Center.

Much like Miyazaki’s squandering of seven match points in her semifinal some 1,400km down south in Shenzen three weeks ago, Han allowed Yamaguchi to catch up from 19-9 to 19-17 in the second game, having won the first. Halfway through Yamaguchi’s eight-point sprint, the world No.8’s expression shifted to one of frustration, her steps becoming slower and more pensive.

“I don’t know why but An’s match suddenly came to my mind. As a result, I got anxious and started making more mistakes,” admitted Han, who steadied herself to finish the job 21-19 21-17.

“Thankfully my opponent committed a couple of unforced errors herself (at crucial moments), that gave me time to calm down and focus on what I needed to do.”

Having waited six years for her first victory over the Japanese – Han beat Yamaguchi at April’s Asia Championships – the 25-year-old has now aced two of their last three battles.

“I knew it was going to be a difficult match but I prepared well, I was ready for the long rallies. I’m satisfied with my performance,” reflected the two-time Uber Cup champion. “I managed to retrieve a lot of tricky shots so I’m also pleased with my defence.

“Beating the best is always challenging but I hope to maintain this level. I want to stay competitive (against her in the future).”

Han plays her second Group B match tomorrow against Finals debutant Supanida Katethong, who went down 21-16 21-14 to An in an earlier clash.

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WHAT OTHERS SAID

“I had just finished dinner when I received the news. I was so happy I called my mum right away.” – Natsu Saito recalling her reaction to being informed she and Hiroki Midorikawa would replace Kim Won Ho/Jeong Na Eun at the Finals

“It’s exciting to debut among these great players. When I started the year, I could never have believed I’d be playing in Hangzhou. We (with Gloria Emanuelle Widjaja) worked hard to be here and I’m grateful to her for getting me through it.” – Dejan Ferdinansyah

“I lost all my matches at the last Finals. This time around I’ve had a good start. I was prepared for the long rallies but it was important to close the match out in straight games.” – Kunlavut Vitidsarn after defeating Kodai Naraoka

“I played too passively in the third game and it got away from me. You need to be positive at 6-0 down and believe you could come back. Two more matches left so it’s not over yet.” – Jonatan Christie on how a poor rubber game cost him the match against Shi Yu Qi