Scratch combination Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Shohibul Fikri thwarted a record-in-the-making with a surprising straight-games defeat of world No.1 Kim Won Ho and Seo Seung Jae.

The Koreans were on track to become the first players to win all four Super 1000 titles in the season, having won the Malaysia Open, All England and Indonesia Open. However, their dreams ran aground against Alfian and Fikri, who paired up for the first time at last week’s DAIHATSU Japan Open.

The Indonesians stayed sharp at the end of a close first game and then kept control in the second, finishing the match comfortably ahead at 21-19 21-14.

“This No.1 pair is extraordinary; I lost to them at the Indonesia Open with Rian (Ardianto) so I wanted to try again even though I’m with an impromptu partner,” said Alfian. “I’m satisfied with the performance this time. We could keep up and our rotation was very good.”

“Because we both are front court players, we had to adapt otherwise it could get difficult,” added Fikri.

The Indonesians face home favourites Liang Wei Keng/Wang Chang, while in the other half, second seeds Aaron Chia/Soh Wooi Yik take on Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty.

While Kim/Seo’s ‘Super Slam’ attempt went awry, the dream is alive for their compatriot An Se Young, who too is in pursuit of the history-making feat. The world No.1 levelled her career record against Chen Yu Fei to 13-all, beating the No.5 seed 21-18 21-19. Up next will be another Chinese, Han Yue, who got the better of Gregoria Mariska Tunjung in straight games.

Other Highlights

» The big surprise in men’s singles was the tame defeat of No.1 Kunlavut Vitidsarn to Chou Tien Chen. The 35-year-old veteran handed the world champion a 21-17 21-11 rout and next faces home favourite Shi Yu Qi.

» Popov brothers Christo and Toma Junior, playing in different quarters, both fell. Christo succumbed to Chinese youngster Wang Zheng Xing, while Toma Junior was stopped by second seed Anders Antonsen.

What They Said

“I made a lot of unforced errors. She was very good in her drop shots and in controlling the game. I’m happy that I reached the quarterfinals of my first Super 1000, but a lot of learnings from this tournament and this match.” – Indian teen Unnati Hooda after losing to Akane Yamaguchi

“It’s our best result in Changzhou. We have in the bank now, and I think we can go further.” – Chirag Shetty

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