Title favourites Wang Zhi Yi and Chen Yu Fei turned the tables on familiar foes to book their VICTOR China Open 2026 quarterfinal places on Thursday.

Two-time defending champion Wang ended a three-match losing streak against Korean Sim Yu Jin with an assured 21-16 21-15 victory, keeping alive her bid to become only the second player in tournament history to win three consecutive women’s singles titles after Jiang Yanjiao (2008-2010).

Having struggled to find answers in their previous meetings, Wang was pleased with the way she stayed composed when the pressure mounted.

“Every match is a new one. You’ve just got to stay in the moment, focus on what’s in front and think about tomorrow when it comes,” said the world No.2.

“I was more determined to execute the tactics when facing difficulties. In the past against her, I wasn’t always great at making adjustments but today I kept reminding myself to adapt my game plan.

“I felt I was in a very focused state, that’s what I’m most satisfied with.”

Chen’s victory was even more dramatic. Just a week after being forced to retire injured against Pusarla V. Sindhu in the Japan Open semifinals while trailing 21-19 15-10, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic champion found redemption in remarkable fashion.

After dropping the opening game, Chen stared at defeat when she fell behind 20-16 in the second. Showing tremendous composure, she reeled off six consecutive points to steal the game before completing her stirring 16-21 22-20 21-18 comeback.

Pusarla was left reflecting on the fine margins.

“I had my chance in the second game, I should have finished it. Overall, there really wasn’t much in it and these things happen sometimes,” said last week’s winner in Tokyo.

“It’s important to keep improving, keep moving forward and continue showing your skills in the right context.”

Wang next faces another Korean, Kim Ga Eun, against whom she holds a narrow 4-3 advantage, while Chen meets Thai veteran Ratchanok Intanon for a place in the semifinals.