Chen Yu Fei is through to the PETRONAS Malaysia Open 2026 semifinals but the real test still looms.

Chen dispatched Ratchanok Intanon 21-13 21-14 and waiting in the last four early in the year is An Se Young – the dominant force of women’s singles.

An’s 2025 season was historic: 77 matches, just four defeats. Yet two of those rare blemishes came against Chen, including their World Championships semifinal clash in August.

“I played rather well those two matches,” she said. “Although I won twice, I lost many times too. I need to be more stable and consistent. If I can play at that level all the time, then it’s truly an indication of my improvement.”

It’s a rivalry shaped by fine margins, as their head-to-head record, locked at 14-14, reflects. Both women are Olympic champions and both relentless competitors.

Chen does not believe she needs perfection to topple An – just the right balance.

“On a scale of 10 for maximum performance, if I can play at level eight or nine, I think I’d stand a chance,” she explained. “Anything less, then I’d lose. But the same can be true against any opponent.”

Chen’s diving defence has been cited as a weapon against An’s suffocating pressure. The 27-year-old agrees, but only partly.

“Most importantly, I cannot have any loopholes,” she said. “If there are too many open spaces, my opponent can exploit. I need to produce a complete game.”

→ Results (Quarterfinals)

→ Order of play (Semifinals)

“This time last year I had an operation. I had no idea if I could ever step onto the court to compete, let alone reach the semifinals. It was totally unexpected.” – Tse Ying Suet shares her return from surgery to the badminton circuit and her delight at making the semifinals after she and Tang Chun Man defeated Chen Tang Jie/Toh Ee Wei 21-17 17-21 21-10

“I watched their match. They’re playing at a different level this week and it will be challenging in the semifinals. We’ll prepare as best we can.” – Seo Seung Jae lays down his marker after revealing he watched Ben Lane/Sean Vendy’s quarterfinal match.