Anders Antonsen is finally back to his magical best as a see-saw win over Anthony Ginting booked his men’s singles semi-final berth.
The Danish star has been through the mill with injuries in the past year and has already exited at the second-round stage of four tournaments this year.
Here he was irresistible – winning the first game and then the rubber, staving off a Ginting fightback to ensure there will be European representation on Saturday and an unseeded player in the men’s singles final.
Antonsen said: “I have always been quite confident in my own abilities, but I’ve also doubted myself more than ever in the last year or so. This is my third semi-final, and I’m happy to be back.”
Meanwhile, Lee Zii Jia restored a semblance of order among the chaos by progressing to his fourth successive All England semi-final.
The Malaysian star’s attacking force was met with stout defense from Japan’s Kodai Naraoka, but it was enough to run out 21-9 10-21 21-13 victor.
Lee Zii Jia said: “I’m maybe 70% of my best at the moment. I’m still trying to find the best version of me.”
2018 All England winner Shi Yu Qi is unseeded here and coming up on the rails, backing up an impressive win over Kunlavut Vitidsarn by beating compatriot Weng Hong Yang.
Read more at allenglandbadminton.com