In a high-stakes second-round clash in Paris, China's World No. 4, Chen Yufei, battled past Denmark's Mia Blichfeldt 2-1 (21-13, 16-21, 21-10) to storm into the last 16 of the BWF World Championships.
Blichfeldt jumped out to an early 8-7 lead in the opener before Chen unleashed a five-point run, showcasing her precision and court mastery to take the first game 21-13.
The second game saw Blichfeldt shift momentum with aggressive smashes and tighter defense. Despite tying at 13-13, Chen conceded the frame 16-21, pushing the match to a deciding third game.
In the decider, Chen dominated 21-10 with 12 winners and minimal errors, combining deep clears and sharp net play to outpace her opponent.
Reflecting on her performance, Chen admitted: "There are still things that I need to work on, as I took the lead in the second game, but then dropped consecutive points, which affected my concentration and speed." Her honest take highlights the fine margins at this level.
Up next for Chen is Vietnam's Nguyen Thuy Linh, a dynamic contender known for her defensive agility. Their Round-of-16 clash promises another compelling duel under the Paris lights.
The BWF World Championships in Paris brings together top talent from more than 60 countries and regions, showcasing the sport's global reach and rising stars.
Reference(s):
Chen beats Blichfeldt 2-1 to reach last 16 at BWF World Championships
cgtn.com
