As it happened - 2021 All England Open, Day 3: Incredible day sees Lee knock out world no. 1 Momota

Hello and welcome to the Olympic Channel's live blog coverage of quarter-finals day of the 2021 All England Open Badminton Championships!

You can re-live all of Thursday's action here.

On Friday, we saw the elimination of world number one Momota Kento at the hands of Malaysia's Lee Zii Jia in straight games.

The women's semi-finals tomorrow also look tantalising, with three World Champions in the last four.

Elsewhere at the Championships, Reuters reported that Indonesia's badminton federation is asking the Badminton World Federation not to count this year's All England in the Olympic qualification rankings, after the team was forced to withdraw.

Indonesian and Turkish athletes were removed from the competition after a passenger on their inbound flight to the UK from Istanbul tested positive for Covid-19.

The affected teams were contacted by NHS Test and Trace and Public Health England, two bodies independent of the BWF and Badminton England, and instructed to self-isolate for 10 days.

However, the decision caused outrage in Indonesia.

Video coverage of the All England Open on Olympic Channel is available subject to geo-restrictions.

All updates below in local time (GMT). Latest updates first.

10:00 pm - Good night

That was a marathon day.

I've lost count of the number of matches on the main court that lasted past the hour mark or went to three games.

But we had incredible action today, with the big headline the elimination of world number one Momota Kento at the hands of Malaysia's Lee Zii Jia in straight games.

The women's semi-finals tomorrow also look tantalising, with three World Champions in the last four.

Do join us again tomorrow at around 9:45 am for more live blog coverage of semi-finals day.

Good night!

9:51 pm - Chan/Goh win marathon

Long from Goh and a big roar from the French pair. The last four is now tantalisingly close.

The Malaysians again return into the net and the win is edging closer for Gicquel and Delrue. 17-15.

Chan smashes well to gain a point back.

Another one into the netting from Goh and the two-point gap is restored.

A fantastic high-paced rally ends as Gicquel returns wide on a clear opportunity.

The scores are level at 18-18! Gicquel goes for the cross-court smash and Chan pounces on it, forcing Delrue to return into the net.

Chan/Goh win their third straight point after Gicquel returns a serve into the net. But a mistake from Goh! With a clear chance to smash a Gicquel return, she misplays it completely and it goes wide.

It's the Malaysians who reach match point first as they land one at the backline.

Chan to serve on match point for the Olympic medallists. A fantastic smash return from Gicquel, and Chan can only return it wide. Match point saved.

20-20.

The service from Gicquel is a poor one! A service error and that sets up a second match point. Dear oh dear what a time for that to happen.

Another frantic rally and it's wide from Gicquel! He scrunches his face in disappointment and the Malaysians are through.

But the French pair should hold their heads up high. They've done brilliantly.

17-21, 21-18, 22-20.

9:44 pm - Level game

The French pair have hit the front now but the two teams are still exchanging a lot of points.

Gicquel and Delrue look a lot more sprightly now that they can see the finish line. However, silly mistakes are still hurting them.

15-15 as Delrue finds the net.

9:37 pm - Chan/Goh advantage

There have been some repairs to the flooring courtside, which delayed us for a bit.

The Malaysians hit the interval 11-8 up with the French pair, especially Gicquel, looking a bit down.

Can Chan/Goh see this out from here?

9:23 pm - Third game

Some quick racket work from both sides here but Gicquel is wild with a behind-the-back backhand and that sets up game point.

Another great rally goes the way of the Malaysians and we are – again – headed for a third game.

The ten matches on the main court today have lasted nearly 12 hours.

9:22 pm - Decider?

It's Chan and Goh who hit the interval ahead, but only just at 11-10.

The Malaysians are really going to have to turn it on from here.

And they do exactly that, although the French pair continue to trail behind closely.

At 19-17 to Chan/Goh, Delrue smashes brilliantly between Chan and Goh to cut that difference to just one point.

Are we headed for a decider or can the French seal the deal?

9:02 pm - Gicquel/Delrue ahead after first game

The French pair hit the interval ahead at 11-8.

You'd never know Chan and Goh were the third seeds and Gicquel/Delrue the seventh.

Gicquel and Delrue continue their good run after the break, but Chan and Goh work hard to keep the deficit close.

Ultimately, it's the seventh seeds who take it 21-17.

8:42 pm - Chan/Goh looking for last four

The last match of the day, between Malaysia's Chan Peng Soon/Goh Liu Ying, and France's Thom Gicquel/Delphine Delrue, is now on court.

8:33 pm - Ellis/Smith survive scare

Home interest in the tournament will continue for another day at least as Ellis and Smith convert on their fourth match point against the Danes.

Some solid fightback and heart from Mikkelsen/Søby.

22-20, 21-19, and the English will face Japan's second seeds Watanabe/Higashino tomorrow.

8:22 pm - HIGHLIGHTS

Three straight points for the Brits and Ellis/Smith go into the interval ahead.

But only just, it's still incredibly tight at 11-10.

Meanwhile, you can watch highlights of the Yamaguchi-Sindhu match below.

8:09 pm - Ellis/Smith made to work for lead

This is remarkable.

Mikkelsen and Søby are matching Ellis and Smith point for point.

The unfancied Danes are at 19-19 before the fourth seeds move ahead to set up a hard-earned game point.

But the Danes level it again, before Søby sends one wide and Ellis/Smith score on their second game point.

22-20.

7:57 pm - Mikkelsen/Søby rebound to lead at the interval

Ellis and Smith looked like they were in full control but Mikkelsen and Søby have pegged them back very strongly – to level at 9-9, then 10-10.

From 2-8 down, the Danes lead 11-10. Incredible.

7:47 pm - Last English hopes

The last English shuttlers still in the All England, Marcus Ellis and Lauren Smith, are up next in the mixed doubles against Mikkel Mikkelsen and Rikke Søby of Denmark.

7:37 pm - Sindhu through!

Sindhu ahead again in this remarkable match.

But she finds the net and it's 19-19. Of all the matches today that have gone to three games and lasted over an hour, this has perhaps been the best.

Yamaguchi blinks first! An error and that goes wide.

Match point to Sindhu.

And that will do it! Sindhu sinks to her knees and lets out a loud scream – she's in the All England last four!

She must be mentally drained. A high-five with her coach. 16-21, 21-16, 21-19.

Our report on that match is available here.

Two doubles matches are still to come tonight. We'll reduce the updates on the blog from here, but we will still continue to keep you updated, so stick with us.

7:35 pm - Still tied!

Fantastic from Yamaguchi to roll four points off on the bounce and level this at 15-15.

This is just stupendous badminton. Sindhu is on her knees in the corner having given it her all to try to get to that one.

Sindhu edges ahead again. I wouldn't put any money on the winner here – both ladies could easily triumph.

Yamaguchi sends one just long at the back line and Sindhu leads 17-15.

A superb cross-court smash but that's called out. The Indian challenges immediately and it was well out.

Yamaguchi takes the next two to level it up again.

Now the Japanese edges ahead, but she can't quite deal with a cross shot from the Indian and Yamaguchi sends one wide. 18-18.

7:26 pm - Sindhu still ahead

These two are throwing everything into their incredible rallies and this is quite something to watch.

Sindhu leads 14-10 right now, and the umpire is not happy with her taking time out of the game before serving.

7:21 pm - Advantage Sindhu

This is still anyone's game.

Neither Yamaguchi nor Sindhu has been able to pull away with both women staying close to the other.

Yamaguchi goes for a big smash and lands it just the wrong side of the side line. Sindhu leads the decider 11-9.

7:12 pm - End-to-end stuff

Great rallies between the two as the duo exchange points.

Sindhu watches one… and it lands on the line. I think she was hoping for the drift to take that out.

Then she wins the next point on a 35-shot exchange, with the core at 4-4.

7:05 pm - Sindhu sets up deciding third

Sindhu leaves one nicely at the back line to open her lead to 16-10.

Yamaguchi jumps for one and completely misses it. Nice work from the Indian. 17-10, but Yamaguchi wins the next point.

And a poor challenge from Sindhu the point after that means she's out of reviews, and the gap is down to five.

Three points in a row now for the Japanese.

Sindhu finally breaks that run. Yamaguchi now at full stretch to save one! But Sindhu still takes that point!

Yamaguchi does well to defend and claws one back, and another. The gap is four points.

Now the Japanese sends one wide, but she saves one game point as Sindhu smashes one well wide.

An engrossing rally on this second game point… and that ends with Yamaguchi returning from close in into the net.

21-16 to Sindhu, and we have a decider coming up.

6:52 pm - Sindhu improving

A run of points now for Sindhu, who may be turning the dominance in her favour.

A lovely shot into the corner that lands more of less right on the line, and Yamaguchi can't believe it. 6-2 to the Indian.

The two exchange a few points but Sindhu is holding on to her lead with some neat play.

Yamaguchi has made too many mistakes, it has to be said. She's finding the net with far too much regularity.

Sindhu leads 11-6 at the interval and looks in good shape to force a decider.

6:41 pm - Yamaguchi takes fascinating first game

At 17-12, Sindhu hits one that looks in but is called out.

And HawkEye says that it was, comfortably, in. Plum on the back line. 17-13.

Some really nice shots from both players here and Sindhu is certainly growing into this game.

Yamaguchi plays one that looked wide and at the end of the rally, Sindhu plays a stunning forehand from the corner of the court that lands.

The Japanese then finds the net on the next point and suddenly there's only two points in this.

Unfortunately for the Indian, on the next point she makes a straightforward error, hitting into the net, which she does again on the following point trying to return a body smash.

Yamaguchi converts on the first game point. That was great.

21-16.

6:33 pm - Japanese control

A lot brighter from Sindhu after the interval.

There goes another fast rally at the net which ends with Sindhu sending one that lands just inside at the back line.

However, the Japanese takes the next two points to re-establish a five-point lead, then extends that to 15-9.

6:29 pm - Yamaguchi leads at break

A great rally with both net play and nice back court shots goes the way of Yamaguchi after Sindhu, rather unfortunately, finds the top of the net.

The Japanese sends cross smash on the next point for 10-5, before Sindhu recovers a point.

However, the net stops her in her tracks again and Yamaguchi leads 11-6 at the break.

Sindhu needs to shake those errors off.

6:24 pm - Level early on

Underway, then, in Birmingham for perhaps the day's biggest draw.

A couple of early mistakes from Yamaguchi, sending one into the net then smashing wide.

But Sindhu leaves one in the corner that's in, and you can only tip your cap to the Japanese for the placement of that shot.

The Indian then hits into the net and it's 3-3.

6:19 pm - Former world no. 1 vs Olympic silver medallist and world champion

P.V. Sindhu leads the head-to-head against Yamaguchi Akane 10-7.

However, the Japanese has won their last three meetings.

The pair haven't played since the end of 2019 at the World Tour Finals in Guangzhou, China.

Yamaguchi has had the less court time here of the two, having had a walkover over Turkey's Yigit yesterday.

The winner of this game faces Pornpawee Chochuwong tomorrow.

6:12 pm - Axelsen eases through

The defending champion Axelsen is not playing to the best of his ability, I think it's fair to say.

He's still not quite happy, I think, with his ankle. A slight frown on his face as he returns to court after a quick equipment break.

Axelsen has, of course, already been taken to three games twice, and that can't have helped.

A shot goes wide from Sitthikom and Axelsen is now three points away. His Thai opponent is still within touching distance for now, though.

Perhaps not any more. That shot just drifts out of play, and a fantastic quick flick at the net from Axelsen brings up match point.

The Thai sends it long on the first match point and Axelsen is through to face his friend and teammate Anders Antonsen.

21-4, 21-15.

Up next, Yamaguchi Akane against P.V. Sindhu.

6:07 pm - Axelsen closing in

Six straight points for Axelsen sees him reach the interval at 11-6.

He's still not feeling it despite the score, and looks in some discomfort with whatever is bothering him.

Sitthikom Thammasin is coming into his own a little here and that's a lovely cross shot winner.

The Thai then closes to within one of the Dane before Axelsen, who looks like he'd prefer to be done already, starts piling on the pressure again.

A great smash from Axelsen takes him to 15-12.

5:58 pm - Improvement

A lot better from Sitthikom in this second game, who is acquitting himself to the level he's capable of.

6-6 in the second.

5:50 pm - One-sided

The first game goes to Axelsen without much opposition, but this trouble with his right ankle is worrying.

It does look like the second seed is trying not to put too much pressure on that ankle.

Well, this first game has gone by in no time at all. It's gone from 3-3 to 21-4, with a fantastic backhand shot winning that game in 12 minutes.

5:44 pm - Concern over Axelsen's anke

Sitthikom was holding Axelsen at 3-3 but the Dane rolls off six points in a row before the Thai breaks that run.

The reprieve is short-lived as Axelsen wins the next point, although there seems to be some concern with Axelsen's ankle.

He had surgery on it last year, and the Dane is trying to stretch it between points.

Axelsen leads 11-4 at the interval, and he's trying to stretch it again during the break.

5:34 pm - Axelsen aiming to set up all-Danish semi

So, here's men's world number two Viktor Axelsen on court to face Thailand's Sitthikom Thammasin.

He's already been forced into two three-setters and looked uncertain in both matches.

If he overcomes the Thai, Axelsen faces a semi-final against compatriot Anders Antonsen.

5:27 pm - Okuhara edges through

Okuhara just ups her game a little here and pulls away from Busanan.

She's forcing the Thai into avoidable errors and Busanan finds the net with another unforced mistake to set up match point.

Then she sends it wide and Okuhara is through after an absolutely top-class game.

A nice show of respect from both players after, touching rackets.

18-21, 21-8, 21-16 to Okuhara.

Chochuwong is through on Court 2, 21-16, 21-19.

5:23 pm - Tense finish

From eight points down at the interval, Busanan has worked herself back to 14-14.

A very impressive show of nerves of steel to hold her own against the second seed.

Now the Thai moves into the lead as Okuhara finds the net. The Japanese hasn't looked comfortable since the towel break.

Okuhara does finally get a couple of points as she gets it back to 16-15. This is set up to be a tense finish.

5:18 pm - HIGHLIGHTS: Intanon's win over Blichfeldt

5:16 pm - Busanan comeback

Busanan has found a run of points here, from 3-11 down at the interval to 9-12.

She's definitely keeping her hopes alive and we could still potentially see three Thais in the last four.

5:10 pm - All systems go for Okuhara

From 3-3 in the decider, Okuhara has strung together six straight points.

She's playing smart shots and forcing Busanan onto the back foot, and the latter isn't quite adjusting as she should.

Then Busanan sends one wide from the net.

Another one wide and at the interval, Okuhara leads 11-3 with eight straight points.

There's better news for Thailand on Court 2 as Pornpawee Chochuwong is a game to the good against Zhang.

4:58 pm - Another decider incoming

This second game was a wash for Busanan, who perhaps intelligently looks like she's decided to save her energy for the deciding game.

Okuhara rolls off 10 of the last 13 points to take the second game, 21-8, and level this match.

4:51 pm - Okuhara looking solid

A run of six straight points for the Japanese second seed here is ended as she hits into the net.

Then a couple of mistakes from Okuhara before she rights the ship and gets back on track.

The second seed, a former world champion, leads 11-5 at the interval.

On Court 2, Busanan's counterpart Pornpawee Chochuwong is in action against USA's Zhang Beiwen.

4:40 pm - Busanan takes first game

Unsurprisingly for this stage of the tournament, competition in every match we've seen so far today has been fierce.

Matsuyama/Shida and Tan/Thinaah are into a deciding third game on the second court, while on Geoff Rofe Court, Busanan has just opened up a three-point lead right at the end of the game.

Okuhara is challenging at 20-17 down, having been neck-and-beck with the Thai all the way up to 17-17.

The challenge is unsuccessful, but Busanan sends one long and wide in the corner as Okuhara saves the first game point.

Second time around, she finds the net, and Busanan takes the first game 21-18.

4:03 pm - Intanon shuts the door

Well, this was a one-sided deciding game.

Intanon does not leave the door open for Blichfeldt at all, brings up 10 match points, and converts the first.

18-21, 21-17, 21-10.

Another Thai in the form of Busanan Ongbamrungphan is up next against Okuhara Nozomi.

3:56 pm - Thai races into lead

All the Thai's way so far in the third. She leads 11-6 at the interval as they swap ends again.

Women's doubles fifth seeds Matsuyama Nami/Shida Shiharu lead Malaysia's Pearly Tan/Thinaah Muralitharan 16-11 on Court 2.

3:45 pm - Intanon forces decider

Intanon is two points away from forcing a third game but Blichfeldt has other ideas, playing a nice looping shot to the back court that lands inside the backline after Intanon leaves it.

However, her next attempt goes wide and the Thai has three game points.

And she converts on the first to force a decider. That's the third three-game match we've had on the TV court today.

3:35 pm - Antonsen through to semis

Intanon has come back well in this game and leads 11-7 at the interval. She had trailed Blichfeldt at points in that game, but the fourth seed is staying alive in the tournament.

On Court 2, Antonsen has won his match 21-16, 9-21, 21-11 and is through to the last four.

3:22 pm - Blichfeldt takes lead

Tsuneyama has taken Antonsen to a decider on Court 2, the Japanese having won the second game 21-9. Antonsen leads the decider 11-7 at the interval.

On the main court, Blichfeldt is playing very well and has opened a comfortable lead on Intanon. That was a weird point with the Dane sticking her racket up at the net and getting it across, with Intanon reacting very late to keep the point alive before eventually winning it.

On 19-15, Blichfeldt lands one on the line but it's called out. The Dane challenges but it is out.

A great straight smash from Blichfeldt sets up game point, but it's saved by Intanon, and the Thai saves a second with a nice backhand cross shot.

It's converted on the third attempt, right on the line. 21-18.

3:09 pm - Indonesia asks BWF to remove Olympic qualification status

Reuters is reporting that Indonesia's badminton federation is asking the Badminton World Federation not to count this year's All England in the Olympic qualification rankings, after the team was forced to withdraw.

Indonesian (and Turkish) athletes were removed from the competition after a passenger on their inbound flight to the UK from Istanbul tested positive for Covid-19.

The affected teams were contacted by NHS Test and Trace and Public Health England, two bodies independent of the BWF and Badminton England, and instructed to self-isolate for 10 days.

However, the decision has caused outrage in Indonesia.

3:02 pm - Intanon faces Blichfeldt

We're underway in the fifth match on the main court, featuring seventh seed Mia Blichfeldt of Denmark and fourth seed Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand.

It's 3-3 in the early going.

2:48 pm - Defending champions through to semis after scare

A lot better from the Japanese. A beautiful drop smash from Watanabe, the younger of the two, there, to give him and Endo a two-point lead.

After looking like this was doing to a decider, the Japanese are now just two points away.

Christiansen and Nøhr break that Japanese streak as one from experienced Endo goes long. And a second one goes long, this one from Watanabe.

Three in a row and now the Japanese lead is only 19-18.

And now finally they do bring up match point. The first is saved, but the second is sent into the net from Christiansen.

The fourth seeds and defending champions win 24-22, 21-19.

Court 2 update: Antonsen has taken the first against Tsyneyama 21-16.

2:38 pm - Danes ahead at interval

It's 11-7 to Christiansen and Nøhr at the interval. They look far better in this game than Endo and Watanabe have.

We're still only in our fourth clash on the main court, while on Court 2 Antonsen and Tsuneyama Kanta are locked at 10-10 in the sixth match of the day.

2:27 pm - Japanese made to work for first game

Well, well, well.

The Danes claw back from 10-17 down to set up the first game point at 20-19.

Endo/Watanabe save the first but Christiansen/Nøhr get a second. That one is saved too.

A third game point set up by Christiansen and Nøhr. And a third game point saved! All three game points have gone into the net from the Danes.

Into the net again from the Europeans and Endo/Watanabe, the defending champions, set up their first game point.

Well. Another one into the net and the Japanese take the first game 24-22, but it could have been a lot more comfortable at one point at 17-10 up.

Meanwhile, men's singles third seed Anders Antonsen is on court 2.

2:19 pm - Delay for repairs

This is good stuff from Christiansen and Nøhr.

They've fought their way back to 15-18, and Endo/Watanabe are not having it all their own way.

We have a delay now as the Japanese kit box needs repairing.

Over on court 2, Jeppe Bay and Lasse Mølhede are through to meet the winners of this match. Could we get an all-Danish semi?

2:08 pm - Defending champs in control

Well, we're running a little behind on the order of play on the main court after the first three matches all lasted around an hour or longer.

This one, though, is going by a lot quicker – Endo Hiroyuki/Watanabe Yuta, the defending champions, lead Mathias Christiansen/Niclas Nøhr 11-5.

Speaking of which, here's Chris Langridge on that loss:

"The second set we put in a great performance and you could tell they struggled. In third set, I had a bit of a shocker. I was very bad. I could put it down to 100 different things, so I need to address a few points."

1:49 pm - Ellis/Langridge out

Well, that was a one-sided end to that match. Ellis and Langridge just weren't in the right mindset for that third game for whatever reason.

You could tell Langridge was frustrated when he remonstrated with the chair.

It's all over. 21-19, 9-21, 21-8.

Ellis will have to recover quickly for his mixed doubles match later.

1:46 pm - Langridge defaulted

Langridge is complaining to the umpire about the state of the shuttlecock, and the umpire is having none of it.

He's been shown a red card, a default for misconduct (delay of game).

The tournament supervisor has had to come in to cool him down, but that's a point to the Japanese. 16-6.

1:40 pm - Japanese strike back, in control

Well Kamura and Sonoda have found their groove, although perhaps Ellis and Langridge wish they haven't.

The English pair are making some errors now, forced and unforced. The Japanese are doing well.

Langridge looks defeated. 11-5 to Kamura/Sonoda at the interval, and the last change of court ends.

Over on court two, Matsumoto/Nagahara are through.

1:27 pm - Ellis/Langridge dominant

One-way traffic in that second game.

Ellis and Langridge take it 21-9 and force a decider, our second of the day on the main court.

Meanwhile the women's doubles game on Court 2 is also in a decider.

1:23 pm - Japanese struggling

What is going on with Kamura and Sonoda in this game?

They're nowhere near the level they were at in the first and seem to not be on the same wavelength.

Ellis and Langridge lead 16-7.

1:17 pm - Lee and Momota react

Let's hear from Momota Kento:

"I did not play well and I was rushing through the match and that's why I couldn't play my game. I did not have a chance to think through my play and that's why I struggled. I could feel the tensions throughout this tournament."

And from Lee Zii Jia, our first semi-finalist in men's singles:

"It's a very big moment for me in my career. This is my first win against Momota. We've met six times and I've never won and I'm very happy about it. My game plan was to fight everything I could and I know Momota is very tough; you have focus on every shot and every moment and you can lose focus.

"I'm very happy I have made it twice to the semifinal, so for me I want to enjoy this moment. I have my match tomorrow so I can't celebrate too much, I need to focus."

Meanwhile, Ellis and Langridge have started the second game very brightly and lead 11-5 at the interval.

1:06 pm - Kamura/Sonoda take narrow first game

This is good work from the English pair, who have fought back to 13-13.

As is perhaps to be expected in the last eight, we're seeing a high standard of badminton today.

Kamura/Sonoda edge back ahead again at 16-14, but two quick points from Ellis/Langridge levels it again. This is a really good watch.

Now the English pair hit the front. And a great shot into the corner from Langridge, right on the line in the corner!

But the third seeds score the next two to bring the score back to 19-19. And now they hit the front to set up game point.

A fantastic, frantic, rally with loads of pace follows. Wow! Catch your breath. Stunning stuff from both and the Japanese take the first game 21-19.

12:53 pm - Double Japanese doubles

It's Kamura and Sonoda who hit the interval in the lead at 11-8, but Ellis and Langridge – the latter with his right knee strapped – are hanging in there.

On the other court, Japan's second seeds Matsumoto Mayu/Nagahara Wakana lead in a women's doubles tilt.

12:45 pm - More doubles action

Well, now that we've all had a bit of time to catch our breath from that fantastic match of badminton, the action continues.

England's Olympic bronze medallists Marcus Ellis / Chris Langridge, the eighth seeds, are up against Japan's third seeds Kamura Takeshi / Sonada Keigo.

The Japanese have an early 6-3 lead.

12:30 pm - Lee wins!

Something has gotten into Lee's shoe, perhaps. He just grimaced slightly. A small stone?

A quick break to empty his shoe out, with the score at 14-14.

Still anyone's game. Lee smashes one past Momota for the lead at 16-15, but the Japanese levels it again.

A cross shot from deep from Momota lands wide as Lee fist pumps.

Two points the gap again as the Japanese finds the net. Brilliant smash from Lee. The Malaysian can nearly taste it now. He's two points away from a first career win over Momota.

Aggressive strokes from Momota in this next rally, and Lee sends a cross-court shot wide. Momota is still in this. And Lee misses again! Level at 19-19!

A huge net cord! Stroke of luck for Lee! Match point!

HE'S DONE IT! LEE ZII JIA BEATS MOMOTA KENTO! 21-16, 21-19.

Over on Court 2, Caljouw is through in three games.

12:17 pm - Momota level in second

Momota gets a lucky break off the net and has five points in a row to level at 11-11.

Lee breaks that run of play finally to eke back ahead, but the Japanese hits right back.

12:13 pm - Five-point cushion

Momota returns one into the net and Lee leads 11-6 at the interval here.

He's well on course for a huge win.

On Court 2, Sen has forced a deciding third game.

12:11 pm - Lee eyeing straight-games upset

A whoop of delight from Lee as he lands a superb cross shot from the air. He's well in control here.

Another error from Momota at the net not getting the shuttle over. The Malaysian leads 6-2 and is well on his way to a famous upset.

Momota finally gets one back as Lee finds the net but on the next point the 22-year-old from Alor Setar smashes one past the Japanese.

Another great smash. Momota looks lost.

Lee leaves one in the corner but that drift, now in the other direction, keeps it in for Momota.

There's another cross smash from Lee that he has been landing with ease. Momota didn't even try to save that.

A silly error from the Malaysian, not getting enough lift on one at the net. Then he considers leaving one on the next point but smartly plays it. Momota ends that rally with a smash which Lee returns into the net. 9-6.

12:01 pm - Lee takes first career game off Momota

Momota holds a 6-0 all-time record against Lee, 12-0 in games.

But that games streak could be over here! Momota plays a shot towards the backline and the drift takes it out!

The top seed finally breaks Lee's run of points.

But on the very next one, the same problem as before as the drift takes a Momota shot wide!

Game point is converted! Momota flicks one into the net and Lee takes the game 21-16.

Over on Court 2, Caljouw won the first game but Sen leads the second 11-6.

11:58 am - Lee ahead!

This is great from Lee, who has closed the gap back to a single point.

A backhand cross shot facing the wrong way to win that last point.

Now the Malaysian lands one just clipping the back line, and he's level!

Momota, playing close to the net, tries a flick but only catches the net and Lee has the lead.

Super cross smash from Zii Jia opens up a two-point gap. Momota needs to regain his momentum here.

Inspired badminton from Lee who does well to watch the shuttle on this rally. The world number one Momota sends it wide after a long exchange. Lee leads 18-15.

11:52 am - Tactical

This is a very tactical match, with very strategic rallies.

Momota does well with a smash at the net to end this 36-shot one after Lee had played a return behind his back. 13-11.

Lee recently spoke to Olympic Channel about living up to the expectations following Lee Chong Wei. Read that piece here.

11:48 am - Momota ahead in superb contest

A good run of points for the world number one here.

Three in a row, but then Lee hits back with a cross smash that has Momota stretching but not reaching it.

A nice smash at the net from Lee to claw another point back. He then watches one at the net that falls – unfortunately for Momota – on his own side of the court. 9-9.

Momota takes the next point but Lee hits a cross shot that lands and is called in. The Japanese challenges immediately and is successful.

That's the interval, 11-9.

11:42 am - Tight game

This is awesome to-and-fro stuff from both Momota and Lee.

Both men are still continuing to feel the pace of play of the other. Momota sends one long to end the match's longest rally so far at 43 shots.

6-6.

11:26 am - Big men's singles clash next

Up next, Momota Kento of Japan against Lee Zii Jia of Malaysia on the main court.

India's youngest-ever All England quarter-finalist Lakshya Sen takes on Netherlands' Mark Caljouw on Court 2.

11:25 am - Japanese through after long tussle

Fukushima and Hirota are well on top now.

They've opened up a big 17-7 lead in the decider as Birch and Smith have just tailed off a little here.

Having said that, the English pair take two in a row. Then three, as Hirota finds the net. The start of a comeback?

Now four in a row. Birch and Smith have nothing to lose here and they're playing with confidence again. The top seeds, once again, are trying to slow things down.

Smith sends one long and Fukushima/Hirota edge closer to the win.

The Japanese coach continues to be very animated.

A great rally goes the English pair's way at the back line as they cut the gap to 19-13.

Now match point comes up. The first one is saved as Fukushima hits it into the net from close range.

The second match point is converted, and the Japanese pair overcome an early score to win 14-21, 21-12, 21-14. Well played, Birch and Smith.

Astrup and Rasmussen are also through on the other court.

11:10 am - Top seeds in charge

All the momentum here is with the world number ones.

Birch and Smith are trying their hardest to get a foothold in this third and deciding game.

Another superb 53-shot rally here from both sides finally ends with Birch finding the net, as Japan lead 8-3.

Meanwhile in the other match, Astrup and Rasmussen have taken the first game against France's Christo and Toma Popov 21-10.

10:59 am - Japanese dominate second game to force decider

21-12 to Fukushima and Hirota in that second game, which they controlled pretty much from 5-5 onwards.

That took 25 minutes, and we're heading to another decider and probably another 25 minutes of great badminton to decide our semi-finalists.

10:53 am - Coach warned

A slight delay on the main court as Halpin calls out the tournament supervisor.

The chair is not happy with the Japanese coach talking right before the serve.

The Japanese pair have been pegged back to 12-10, four of the last five points to Birch/Smith.

A great cross smash from Hirota to regain control.

10:48 am - Japanese back on top

Great attack from Birch and Smith, great defence from Fukushima and Hirota, but Birch comes out on top after a 57-shot rally. 5-5.

The Japanese world number one pairing do not look at the races.

They finally get one with Fukushima smashing one just past an English racket. And a second point in a row for the top seeds, and a third. Birch and Smith just losing a bit of momentum and concentration here.

Four in a row, Fukushima turning on the style with a great drop.

But the English pair break that run with a great flick from Smith that lands on the line!

Smith sends one wide and that's the interval with the Japanese pair 11-6 up.

Over on the other court, it's all over as Piek and Seinen take the second game to win the match 24-22, 21-12.

Up next on that court, men's doubles between France's Christo Popov and Toma Junior Popov and Denmark's Kim Astrup and Anders Rasmussen.

10:33 am - No answer from top seeds

Halpin is keeping a close eye on Fukushima and Hirota, who are trying to take as much time as possible between points.

Hirota sends one into the net and she looks really worried. Birch and Smith have game point.

A fantastic smash from front court by Birch gives them the opener on the first attempt! 21-14 in 23 minutes, this is a great match to watch.

Piek and Seinen have a 5-1 lead in the second game on Court 2.

10:30 am - English in full force

Birch is at full stretch on the ground to save one in the corner then Hirota can only smash beyond the stranded Birch out of play!

A shot from the English pair is borderline and is called in, which Fukushima challenges unsuccessfully. Birch/Smith have a 15-12 lead against the top seeds.

That shot finds only net from the Japanese and the English girls open a four-point lead. Another great rally follows with Birch smashing it just beyond Fukushima.

Another great smash from the English and now Fukushima and Hirota will be concerned. Hirota completely missed that one. Now the Japanese are warned by Halpin over time-wasting.

A full-stretch save attempt from Birch doesn't quite get over the net and the Japanese finally have a breather. 18-13 to Birch/Smith.

Over on Court 2, another tight match there, with Piek/Seinen eventually taking the first 24-22 against the Indians.

10:21 am - High-quality rallying

This is good from Birch and Smith against the defending champions and top seeds.

Smith with a cross smash to finish a rally and take a 9-7 lead.

Both sides continuing to work the other all around the court. Another long rally here, finally coming to an end when Birch hits it into the net. That was a brilliant, tense rally – attacking and defensive in equal measure. SEVENTY-FIVE shots! 9-8.

Then the Japanese pair choose to leave a shot at the backline that's well in. Smith, from front court, finds the net and the Japanese close to within one again.

But a service error from Hirota means the English pair lead 11-9 at the towel break.

Over on Court 2, the Dutch pair had opened up a significant early lead but Ponnappa and Reddy now have the lead 17-15.

10:13 am - English upper hand

A nice 49-shot rally unfortunately ends when the Japanese hit into the net.

Then on the next point they surprisingly let a shot from Birch land. A lack of court time hampering them?

Birch and Smith have opened up a 5-3 lead in the early exchanges.

10:06 am - Language misunderstanding

A little amusement to start the day as chair umpire Seamus Halpin of Ireland has a bit of a language barrier conducting the coin toss with Fukushima Yuki.

However, it's all sorted out after a re-toss, with the English girls Chloe Birch and Lauren Smith chuckling at the situation.

Fukushima wins the toss eventually and will serve, with Hirota Sayaka alongside her.

Over on Court 2, Netherlands' Selena Piek and Cheryl Seinen face India's Ashwini Ponnappa and N. Sikki Reddy.

9:45 am - Good morning

Good morning and welcome back to Birmingham for day three, quarter-finals day, of the All England.

Some tantalising matches are in store today, including the second match on court 1 between world number one Momota Kento and Malaysia's rising star Lee Zii Jia, as well as a superstar clash later in the day between Yamaguchi Akane of Japan and India's PV Sindhu.

We'll be here with you throughout the day with all the latest action from the main court, as well as results updates from Court 2.

Here's what's in store on Friday on the main court:

Friday, 19 March 2021 order of play (Court 1)

Women's doubles: Fukushima/Hirota v. Birch/Smith

Men's singles: Momota Kento v. Lee Zii Jia

Men's doubles: Kamura/Sonoda v. Ellis/Langridge

Men's doubles: Christiansen/Nøhr v. Endo/Watanabe

Women's singles: Mia Blichfeldt v. Ratchanok Intanon

Women's singles: Busanan Ongbamrungphan v. Okuhara Nozomi

Men's singles: Sitthikom Thammasin v. Viktor Axelsen

Women's singles: Yamaguchi Akane v. PV Sindhu

Mixed doubles: Mikkelsen/Søby v. Ellis/Smith

Mixed doubles: Chan/Goh v. Gicquel/Delrue