China started semifinals day at HSBC BWF World Tour Finals 2024 with a shot at having two women’s pairs in the title match.

The dream scenario however did not materialise; convincing displays from Baek Ha Na/Lee So Hee and Nami Matsuyama/Chiharu Shida denying the hosts a happy ending in women’s doubles.

Baek/Lee set the tone early in their clash; the Koreans all over Liu Sheng Shu/Tan Ning in the 21-14 opening game win. Top seeds Liu/Tan’s spirited surge in the second created some tense rallies for their opponents, especially towards the end, but the world No.2s held firm to avenge their defeats in the Olympic quarterfinals and Japan Open final.

Matsuyama/Shida followed suit in the first match of the evening session, overcoming off-colour Paris 2024 gold medallists Chen Qing Chen/Jia Yi Fan 23-21 21-13 to snap a nine-match losing streak to the Chinese duo.

Shida stayed realistic in her post-match assessment.

“Chen took a break after the Olympics and that gave us a chance to challenge them. On court, we still feel they have the world No.1 aura,” said the 27-year-old.

On their final rivals, against whom the Japanese have an inferior 2-9 record, the Paris bronze medallist added: “The Koreans are famous for their big-hitting and long rallies so we will make special preparations for that.”

Chen admitted struggling but refrained from commenting about retirement plans.

“I didn’t have the stamina for a long match,” she said. “I wasn’t able to play my best (but) I’m not feeling any sadness yet.”

One in Bag for China

There was no stopping China in women’s singles though – Han Yue and Wang Zhi Yi ensured them a first title in five years by winning their respective semis against Aya Ohori (21-17 21-13) and An Se Young (21-17 21-14).

The last Chinese women’s singles champion was Chen Yu Fei in 2019.

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WHAT OTHERS SAID

“Aya played well this week, I’ve been impressed. She put a lot of stress on me. She shouldn’t retire.” – Han feels Ohori should continue competing

“I know I have many fans and I want to thank them for their support. I haven’t decided my future yet.” – Ohori

“Semifinals is still a great result. Sad to end the year this way but I will keep going. That’s my motto, and 2025 will be better. So much more to come from me.” – An

“Although we’ve beaten the Malaysians previously, the matches were always intense. We will try to forget about the pressure and strive for each point.” – Zheng Si Wei on the match-up with Chen Tang Jie/Toh Ee Wei