Badminton: Shi Yuqi dethroned by Axelsen at All England Open

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China's defending champion Shi Yuqi has been stopped by former world champion Viktor Axelsen from Denmark in the semifinals of the All England Open badminton championships on Saturday.

The 23-year-old Shi was beaten by sixth-seeded Axelsen 22-20, 13-21, 21-7 after one hour and six minutes.

Shi's exit means that there will be no Chinese player in the men's final for the first time since 2010 and only the second time since 1999.

"I have been out of practice for some time, so I was really tired in the third set," Shi said. "But I am happy to be back here and played some thrilling matches. I hope to play better in the upcoming Swiss Open."

Axelsen will fight for the title against top seed Kento Momota of Japan, who beat Ng Ka Long Angus of Hong Kong, China, 21-19, 21-11.

Chen Yufei in action against Nozomi Okuhara at All England Open, March 9, 2019. /VCG Photo

In the women's event, third seed Chen Yufei beat Japan's Nozomi Okuhara to become the first player from Team China in four years to enter the women's singles final at the event.

The 20-year-old saw off a tenacious challenge from the 2016 champion Okuhara in the first set but dominated the second for a 21-17, 21-11 victory. It was her first time to reach a final in a Superseries event.

"I am more confident against Okuhara than a year ago," Chen said. "I think I am a better player in defense. I don't think I have anything to worry about when I play Tai in the final tomorrow. I just want to play my best," said Chen.

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency