Tai makes short work of Ohori to reach All England semi-finals
>> BIRMINGHAM: Top-ranked Tai Tzuying of Taiwan moved a step closer to retaining her All England Open title after beating Japan’s Aya Ohori 21-12, 21-13 in the quarter-finals yesterday.
Tai had few problems and needed only 33 minutes to finish off her Japanese opponent in the women’s singles.
The Taiwanese defeated Thailand’s Busanan Ongbamrungphan 21-15, 21-11 in the last-16 round on Thursday.
Tai is seeking her second title at the prestigious event after defeating Thailand’s Ratchanok Intanon in last year’s final.
Ratchanok suffered a shock loss in the first round against Canada’s Michelle Li this week.
On Thursday, Thailand’s Jongkolphan Kititharakul and Rawinda Prajongjai beat compatriots Chayanit Chaladchalam and Phataimas Muenwong 16-21, 21-17, 21-17 in their last-16 round match of the women’s doubles.
Eighth seeds Jongkolphan and Rawinda, the only Thais left in the event, were to play fourth seeds Yuki Fukushima and Sayaka Hirota of Japan in the quarter-finals last night.
In the women’s singles on Thursday, Thailand’s Nitchaon Jindapol lost to India’s PV Sindhu 21-13, 13-21, 21-18.
Malaysia’s Lee Chong Wei battled through a gruelling three-game contest to set up a mouthwatering quarter-final against China’s Lin Dan.
South Korea’s Lee Dong-keun pushed four-time All England winner Lee all the way before losing to the Malaysian superstar 21-6, 13-21, 21-18.