Lin Dan stayed on course for a record-breaking sixth men's singles title at the World Championships in Glasgow with a straight games quarterfinal win over Hong Kong's Wong Wing Ki Vincent in Glasgow.
But Carolina Marin's reign came to a surprise end following a 19-21, 21-14, 15-21 defeat to Japan's Nozomi Okuhara.
Marin – champion in 2014 and 2015 and Olympic gold medallist last year – had come through two easy matches but more than met her match against the dogged No.7 seed.
"I am very happy, but also very tired," said Okuhara. "Carolina is a very speedy player. At the start of the third and in tough points in the match I was telling myself 'You can do it, you can do it!' Now I want the gold medal."
Dan, 33, hasn't won the title since 2013, but he is guaranteed at least a bronze medal after the 21-17, 21-18 victory. After two three game matches, the veteran was delighted to get on and off court within the hour.
"I really enjoyed today's match," he said. "I am very happy that I managed to minimise my opponent's performance. It was good to get it done quicker today and I expect to perform fully to my 100% tomorrow."
In the semifinals, he clashes with the new world No.1 from South Korea, Son Wan Ho. Dan's first world medal was a silver in 2005 - he then won the title in 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011 and 2013.
For Son, it is the prospect of a first major title that spurs him on. He cruised past Kidambi Srikanth 21-14, 21-18.
"Today I am really happy with my performance and to reach my first world semi-final," he said. "I will now prepare really hard for my match against Lin Dan."
In the bottom half, China's defending champion and Olympic gold medallist, Chen Long, will meet the last European hope, Denmark's Viktor Axelsen.
Comments
Follow Us
SHARE