NANJING, Aug 4. (Xinhua) -- World No. 3 Shi Yuqi walked down the court as the winner of the all-Chinese matchup against Chen Long in the semifinals of the 2018 BWF World Championships here on Saturday.
"He played better than me today. Congratulations to him on entering the final," the two-time world champion said afterwards.
Both players stayed patient at the beginning of the match, not keen on smashes. The score seesawed as the two top guns exchanged long rallies, until Shi opened fire first and took a four-point lead at 9-5. The No. 3 seed pressed ahead with fiercer attacks and claimed the first game 21-11.
Chen began his counterattack in the second game, winning six of the following seven points from 7-1 down. However, his faults denied his chance to level the match 1-1 despite his arduous efforts saving 2 match points.
"I certainly benefitted from being younger so that I could outpace them on the court," Shi said, admitting age was part of his victory over veterans Lin Dan and Chen Long.
"I have never thought I could make it to the final. With only one match ahead, I will definitely do my best," he vowed.
Shi triumphed in both individual finals at the India Open and the All-England Open earlier this year and helped the Chinese national team lift the Thomas Cup. The 22-year-old was also crowned at the Youth Olympic Games here in Nanjing four years ago. But this time, his rival will be Japan's in-form Kento Momota.
Momota stormed to a 21-16, 21-5 win over Malaysia's unseeded Daren Liew to advance into his first final at the World Championships.
"Momota is a complete player now, no matter in terms of his mentality, tactics or his shuttle routes," Shi said.
In their last and only encounter, the world no.7 edged out Shi in the round of 16 of the 2018 Asia Championships in Wuhan. However, Shi might have a good chance to avenge that defeat before the home crowd.
"I feel very confident playing at home with my family and friends coming here to cheer for me," The Jiangsu native said. "I believe that I can play at the highest level with their support."
"Shi Yuqi is a world-class player and an all-rounder. Tomorrow's final will be a tough challenge for me," Momota said of his opponent.
"I will tenaciously fight to the last minute, taking advantage of my agile footwork and strength in front of the net to make the final a typical Momota match," 23-year-old added.
