BWF Korea Open 2023: Loh Kean Yew stages remarkable comeback against Naraoka Kodai to reach final
Singapore's world number eight, 4-12 and a game down in the second, rebounds to defeat Naraoka in a marathon semi-final in Yeosu.
Badminton
Loh Kean Yew is through to his first BWF World Tour badminton final since January 2022 after an incredible come-from-behind win against Naraoka Kodai on Saturday (22 July) at the 2023 Korea Open in Yeosu.
World number four Naraoka of Japan took the first game 21-18 and raced into a 12-4 lead in the second, with the eighth-ranked Loh staring at a quick straight-games defeat.
However, the 2021 world champion won 17 of the next 21 points as a vocal crowd cheered his name after each rally, taking it 21-16.
Loh hit the front early in the decider and, although Naraoka repeatedly closed the margin, the Japanese had no answer for Loh who showed incredible defence all around the court to stay in long rallies.
At times, it seemed Naraoka had run out of ideas as shown by his wry smiles after more than a few points he lost – some through unforced errors.
Ultimately, Loh converted on his first match point to seal an 18-21, 21-16, 21-15 victory in a gruelling 80 minutes to book his spot in just his second tournament final of the season.
The Singaporean won silver at the Badminton Asia Championships, but has not made a World Tour final the India Open at the start of 2022. Loh also extended his career head-to-head over Naraoka to 3-0.
He will face Anders Antonsen in the final after the Dane beat third seed Shi Yuqi 21-16, 24-22.
Earlier, the top four seeds in women's singles faced each other in the semi-finals.
Second seed An Se-young reached the final of her home tournament as the Republic of Korea shuttler took down Olympic champion Chen Yufei of the People's Republic of China 15-21, 21-8, 24-22 in a 78-minute marathon.
She will face fourth seed Tai Tzu-ying of Chinese Taipei, who defeated Japan's world number one and world champion Yamaguchi Akane 21-17, 21-19.