At 35 years old, when many athletes have begun to quiet the ambitions of their youth, Chou Tien Chen is preparing for yet another HSBC BWF World Tour Finals – his eighth, if you trace the arc of his long and eventful career.

For the Chinese Taipei star, qualifying again isn’t just a line on his CV; it’s a reminder of the improbable journey he has taken to stand among the world’s best.

This season alone has been one of his most productive in years. Chou successfully defended the Arctic Open title, finished runner-up at two other events and marched into five semifinals. The consistency not only earned him a ticket to Hangzhou but placed him in the running for the Men’s Singles Player of the Year at Monday’s HSBC BWF World Tour Finals 2025 Gala Dinner. Not bad for a man who first played the season finale as a 25-year-old back in 2015.

Since that debut a decade ago, he has missed the year-ender only three times – 2016, 2021 and 2023. That reliability speaks to his professionalism but the deeper story truly lies in what he overcame to get here. In 2024, Chou battled and beat colorectal cancer, a fight that reshaped his perspective far more profoundly than any forehand or footwork drill could.

“Of course it’s special for me at this age because playing at the top isn’t easy,” he said, reflecting on this latest qualification. “I’m grateful God gave me strength to still play at 35. I feel good and I’m enjoying myself so hopefully it continues for a bit more.”

His best result at the World Tour Finals has been two semifinals, including last year’s. Yet he arrives this season knowing the field is as dense as ever.

“Everyone is super strong, so I just have to take one opponent at a time,” he shared. “I will see how the draw comes out and evaluate my situation physically and psychologically. It will be difficult but I will give 100 per cent.”

Still, the dream of finally lifting the trophy lingers. He doesn’t hide it but understands the mountain between desire and reality.

“It’s the main goal for every player,” he said. “I really want to do that but there are many difficult things to do first, from preparing to recovery, every single detail.”

And so here Chou stands once more, a decade removed from his first Finals, carrying the wisdom of experience and gratitude of a survivor.

Whether he lifts the ultimate prize or not, his story at 35 may already be the most triumphant version of success – one defined not just by results but also resilience and renewal.