First Viktor Axelsen, now another big singles beast, has fallen as an off-color Akane Yamaguchi fell to a shocking defeat to Chen Yufei.
The reigning world and All England champion was miles short of her best in a 21-17 21-8 defeat that came in just 37 minutes.
Many onlookers assumed Yamaguchi was in discomfort with her shoulder, but she later insisted: “I have no problem at all with my physical condition. She was more in control.”
Chen admitted: “I was surprised about the result because she’s in really good form. Every time she made a mistake, it was proof that I was using the right strategy.”
Tai Tzu Ying and An Se Young played out another classic as the three-time winner passed up four match points and succumbed to the 21-year-old sensation.
The South Korean sealed 21-17 19-21 22-24 success in an 82-minute match when nerves were frayed, and crowd noise reached new heights.
An Se Young said: “Being able to play in such a prestigious final at my age, it’s something I can’t express.”
Read more at allenglandbadminton.com