China's Chen sets up showdown with Momota at Fuzhou

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Japanese world No. 1 shuttler Kento Momota is no stranger to China's Chen Long, having managed to beat him twice in consecutive finals earlier this year. But Momota's stunning winning streak snapped last month when Chen got his revenge with a sweeping victory at the French Open en route to grabbing the title.

Now, the Rio Olympic champion is facing another close encounter with the in-form Momota at the Fuzhou Open and he is viewing this semi-final meeting as another opportunity for further denting the confidence of his high-flying opponent.

Chen Long (L) greets the audience after knocking out reigning world champion Kento Momota (R) at the French Open on October 27. /VCG Photo

"I believe he (Momota) will make some changes in his tactics considering we just played against each other a fortnight ago," Chen said, following a spectacular 21-18, 21-16 conquest of Denmark's Anders Antonsen on Friday.

"I will prepare for the game with carefully thought-out plans," he added.

Needless to say, Momota is no pushover. The defending world champion, who clinched six titles this year during an impressive spell of dominance, effortlessly brushed aside S. Korea's Son Wan-ho 21-17, 21-14 in their quarter-final, setting up a mouth-watering showdown with Chen.

Shi Yuqi is in fine form as he cruises past Indonesia's Anthony Sinisuka Ginting at the Fuzhou Open on November 9. /VCG Photo

Meanwhile, Chen's compatriot Shi Yuqi should be pleased to be on other side of the draw, where his semi-final opponent is Chinese Taipei's fourth seed Chou Tien-chen and he will be favorite to make the final.

The second seed recovered from a game down to dispatch Indonesia's Anthony Sinisuka Ginting 16-21, 21-14, 21-14 on Friday night.

He Bingjiao roars with delight as she overcomes India's P. V. Sindhu with a gritty performance at the French Open on November 9. /VCG Photo

In the women's semi-finals, Spain's three-time world champion Carolina Marin will go up against China's 20-year-old rising star Chen Yufei who sent former world No. 1 Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand packing 15-21, 21-9, 21-11 after battling for 59 minutes.

Eighth seed He Bingjiao also made her way into the semi-finals after rising to the occasion to beat India's top shuttler P. V. Sindhu 21-17, 17-21, 21-15. Next up for He is Japan's Rio Olympic bronze medalist Nozomi Okuhara.