Kunlavut Vitidsarn progressed past the group stage at the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals for the first time since 2021 after a long-drawn battle with Anders Antonsen.

The three-game victory in 87 minutes helped the Thai to second place in Group A behind Christo Popov, who finished his assignments with an all-win record.

Vitidsarn, who had fallen to Popov yesterday, started well against YONEX French Open champion Antonsen, and after a close second game, pulled ahead in the end, 21-15 18-21 21-13.

In the semifinals, Vitidsarn takes on world champion Shi Yu Qi, while Popov faces Kodai Naraoka.

(Click here for semifinals draw: • Men’s Singles • Women’s Singles • Men’s Doubles • Women’s Doubles • Mixed Doubles)

Meanwhile, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty, playing only their second season finale, qualified for their first semifinal after maintaining an all-win record in the group. Needing to win at least a game against Aaron Chia/Soh Wooi Yik, the Indians nicked a close second game before surging ahead at the end, 17-21 21-18 21-15.

The other pair from Group B that made it to the last four was Liang Wei Keng/Wang Chang, who enjoyed a comfortable 21-17 21-14 win over Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Shohibul Fikri to finish second in the group.

The Indians will face group-mates Liang/Wang for a place in the final, while the other half will see world champions Kim Won Ho/Seo Seung Jae against Sabar Karyaman Gutama/Moh Reza Pahlevi Isfahani.

“Really happy. It was difficult to control, I had to attack first. It was a long match with long rallies and I’m very tired,” said Vitidsarn.

“Very physical battle,” said Antonsen. “I gave a lot in the first game playing on the difficult side. Second game was also physical, but I kept fighting. I lost because of the bad start in the third game, he got a big lead and could see the light at the end of the tunnel.

“It was better and better this week. Today was a good fight. My level was not the best, but I pat myself on the back for my performance always, good day or bad day. It’s been a great year.”

What Others Said:

“Today I saw Li Shi Feng had a rather serious ankle injury. It’s quite similar to the one I has when I played against Lee Chong Wei at the All England. I hope it won’t be too serious. Injuries are really terrifying. ” – Shi Yu Qi

“This means a lot to me. I think fans in France are really looking forward to watching me play tomorrow. If I hadn’t qualified, or my brother (Toma Junior Popov) qualified or Alex (Lanier), I would be proud of them. I think these kinds of results are good for France and show that we are growing as a nation.” – Christo Popov 

Semifinals draw:

• Men’s Singles
• Women’s Singles
• Men’s Doubles
• Women’s Doubles
• Mixed Doubles