World No.10 Aya Ohori got the better of defending champion Tai Tzu Ying for the second time in four matches as the Japanese made the quarterfinals of the BANK OF NINGBO Badminton Asia Championships 2024.

Ohori, who had beaten Tai at the Asian Games and then stretched her to three close games at the French Open, both in October last year, raced to victory in 41 minutes, 22-20 21-14.

“Of course I’m happy, but on the other hand the Olympic qualification isn’t over yet, and the preparation for the Olympics has given me pressure. Honestly, I can’t enjoy this happiness yet,” said Ohori, who is currently No.10 in the Race to Paris.

On her social media, Tai referred to a foot injury that had restricted her movement. Ohori takes on eighth seed Wang Zhi Yi.

Another big name to fall was Pusarla V. Sindhu, as she was outplayed by sixth seed Han Yue 21-18 13-21 21-17.

It was a good day for China, with their top four players progressing to the quarterfinals.

In men’s singles, HS Prannoy’s recent slump in form continued, with the seventh seed crashing 21-18 21-11 to Lin Chun-Yi.

It was a crucial win for Lin as the world No.18 seeks to get into the top 16 and confirm his place in the Race to Paris.

Highlights

» Top seed Shi Yu Qi and world champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn will meet for the third time in a month as both landed in the quarterfinals without trouble. Shi, who beat Vitidsarn at the French Open and the All England, had reached the finals of four of his last five tournaments, winning two.

» The second quarter will see All England champion Jonatan Christie take on eighth seed Lee Zii Jia, the Malaysian having dismissed Chou Tien Chen in just 39 minutes.

» Malaysia had a good day overall. Apart from Lee, men’s doubles fourth seeds Aaron Chia/Soh Wooi Yik and Goh Sze Fei/Nur Izzuddin also made the quarterfinals. Goh/Izzuddin had earlier beaten world champions Kang Min Hyuk/Seo Seung Jae in the opening round.

» Women’s doubles fifth seeds Kim So Yeong/Kong Hee Yong lost a tremendous battle to Rena Miyaura/Ayako Sakuramoto after holding match point. The Japanese won 15-21 21-15 23-21 in 85 minutes to earn a quarterfinal against top seeds Chen Qing Chen/Jia Yi Fan.

→ Results (Day 3)

→ Order of Play (Quarterfinals)