Shi Yuqi, Wang Zhiyi reach semifinals at Badminton Asia Championships in Ningbo

China's Shi Yuqi and Wang Zhiyi powered into the semifinals of their respective men's and women's singles events, in front of loud and enthusiastic home spectators, at the Badminton Asia Championships in Ningbo on Friday.

The second-seeded Shi showcased his form by edging Japan's Kodai Naraoka in straight games, 21-18, 21-18. He will next face Chinese Taipei's Chou Tien-chen, who got past Singapore's Loh Kean Yew after an extended three-game battle.

Another key match saw Thailand's World No. 1 and defending champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn fight back after dropping his opening game against China's Weng Hongyang, ultimately triumphing 20-22, 21-9, 21-9.

In a major upset, Indian qualifier Ayush Shetty continued his sensational run by ousting Indonesian third seed Jonatan Christie 23-21, 21-17. Shetty had previously stunned China's Li Shifeng in the opening round, foreshadowing the 20-year-old's continuing success.

Women's singles action was highlighted by Wang breezing past Japan's Riko Gunji with a commanding 21-13, 21-15 victory.

Meanwhile, World No. 1 and top seed An Se-young and her Republic of Korea compatriot Sim Yu-jin are set to clash in the last four, after both prevailed in their quarterfinal contests.

The day bore witness to an emotional farewell as well, with China's Gao Fangjie announcing her retirement from competitive badminton after falling to Japan's Akane Yamaguchi 23-21, 11-21, 13-21. The 27-year-old's decision also came after she was not selected for the upcoming Uber Cup, bringing her journey in the sport to a poignant conclusion.

In the men's doubles bracket, He Jiting and Ren Xiangyu overcame compatriots Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang 21-19, 21-15, setting up a semifinal clash against the ROK's top-seeded duo of Kim Won-ho and Seo Seung-jae.

Additionally, the top-seeded Chinese women's doubles pair of Liu Shengshu and Tan Ning, along with mixed doubles compatriots Feng Yanzhe and Huang Dongping, also sealed spots in the last four.