Liang & Wang battle back to reach quarterfinals at Badminton Asia Championships

Men's doubles duo Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang overcame an early one-game deficit to outclass Japan's Kakeru Kumagai and Hiroki Nishi in three games on Thursday, advancing to the quarterfinals at the Badminton Asia Championships in Ningbo, China.

The Japanese pair got off to a solid start, clinching the first game 21-15 after a shot from Liang clipped the net. But the resilient Chinese pair regrouped in the second game, prevailing 21-15 to level the match. Maintaining their momentum in the decider, Liang and Wang showcased strong form, ultimately taking the final game 21-14 to reach the last eight.

In women's doubles, world number one duo Liu Shengshu and Tan Ning battled past Thailand's Hathaithip Mijad and Napapakorn Tungkasatan, winning in three games 21-13, 18-21, 21-10 to seal their spot in the quarterfinals.

The excitement continued in the mixed doubles competition, as top seeds Feng Yanzhe and Huang Dongping dispatched the Indonesian pair of Amri Syahnawi and Nita Violina Marwah in straight games. Dominating with high-quality serves and swift play, the Chinese duo claimed the opener 21-10. Despite facing fierce resistance from their opponents in the second game, Feng and Huang quickly rallied to regain control, closing out the contest 21-15.

Other mixed doubles action saw China's sixth seeds, Guo Xinwa and Chen Fanghui, move into the last eight as well. Going up against Malaysia's Wong Tien Ci and Lim Chiew Sien. Guo and Chen displayed seamless coordination, easily grabbing the first game 21-8 following a decisive run of eight consecutive points.

The Malaysians increased their pressure at the net in the second game, but Guo and Chen responded with strategic patience and rapid transitions. Chen deftly made a pivotal play to capitalize on an error from the opposing side, wrapping up the match 21-14 on the final point, with the 2-0 victory sending the Chinese pair into the quarterfinals.