Seoul: China’s Qiao Bin yesterday survived a stiff test from Hong Kong’s Wong Wing-Ki to advance to the men’s singles final at the Badminton World Federation Korea Open.
Qiao defeated Wong 21-18, 21-16 as the Hongkonger, who survived a long quarter-final the previous day, couldn’t quite dig deep enough.
“He was quicker than me today,” said Wong. “I think my long quarter-final against Tian Houwei yesterday made me slightly slower”.
Qiao will clash with South Korea’s Son Wan-Ho, who defeated compatriot Lee Hyun-Il 21-13, 14-21, 21-10 to secure a berth at the final.
In the women’s tournament, South Korea’s Sung Ji-Hyun made her second straight Korea Open final by routing younger teammate Kim Hyo Min 21-5, 21-10.
Sung will meet with Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi, who brushed aside compatriot Minatsu Mitani, 21-17, 21-11.
Men’s Doubles great Lee Yong-Dae and partner Yoo Yeon-Seong of South Korea overcame China’s Wang Yilyu/Huang Kaixiang 21-11, 21-16.
The Korean couple will face Li Junhui/Liu Yuchen, who made their second Superseries final in two weeks.
The Chinese – champions at last week’s Yonex Open Japan – took their time to get going against Malaysia’s Goh V Shem/Tan Wee Kiong, but shot ahead in the end, 18-21, 21-15, 21-13.
Meanwhile, China’s Luo Ying and Luo Yu ruined Olympic Women’s doubles silver medallists Christinna Pedersen/Kamilla Rytter Juhl’s quest for a second straight Superseries title.
The Luos made their first Superseries final this year with the 21-15, 17-21, 21-12 result.
The twins will now take on Olympic bronze medallists Jung Kyung-Eun/Shin Seung-Chan of South Korea, who overpowered compatriots Chang Ye-Na/Lee So-Hee 23-21, 21-15 in an earlier semi-final.
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