New Delhi, India – Two-time former world champion Tai Tzu Ying of Chinese Taipei displayed sublime form to breeze into the finals of the prestigious India Open Super 750, 2024 tournament being held in India’s capital New Delhi.
The Tokyo Olympics silver medalist ousted rising star Yeo Jia Min of Singapore 21-13, 21-18 in a commanding semi-final performance at the KD Jadhav Indoor Stadium on Saturday, January 20.
Top seed Tai Tzu trailed in both games but turned things around with a late burst against her younger opponent, now having won all five career meetings between the two.
The Chinese Taipei star credited her big-match experience for navigating past tricky situations. “Jia Min is improving very fast and she pushed me really hard today,” said Tai Tzu.
“In both games, I had to rely on my training and intuition when things were close. I’m very happy to make my second straight final this season.”
Having announced her retirement previously, the 28-year-old legend seeks to exit the sport on a high this year. She finished runner-up at last week’s Malaysia Open Super 1000 event.
In the India Open final, the firm fan favorite will face either second seed Chen Yufei or He Bingjiao, both from the badminton powerhouse of China.
Chen is the reigning Olympic champion, while Bingjiao is a former world no. 1 making a strong return after injury-forced absences. A mouthwatering showdown between the three elite stars now awaits Indian fans.
Tai Tzu’s win crowned yet another profitable day for Chinese shuttlers who captured multiple finals spots across different categories at India’s richest prize money event.
In mixed doubles, world no. 5 duo of Jiang Zhenbang and Wei Yaxin held their nerve to defeat Korean combine Kim Wonho and Jeong Na Eun in a tense semifinal battle.
Their compatriots Zhang Shuxian and Zheng Yu then emerged victorious in a thrilling all-Chinese clash against Li Wenmei and Liu Xuanxuan in the women’s doubles last four.
Thailand’s Sapsiree Taerattanachai also entered the title round alongside Dechapol Puavaranukroh after getting past Chinese Taipei’s Ye Hongwei and Lee Chiahsiong.
As the high-octane tournament enters finale day, all eyes now turn towards women’s singles as Tai Tzu seeks the perfect farewell present in perhaps her final outing before legions of Indian fans.
Key Details in Table Format
| Particular | Details |
| Tournament | India Open Super 750, 2024 |
| Location | New Delhi, India |
| Category | BWF Super 750 |
| Date | Jan 20, 2024 |
| Match Result | Tai Tzu Ying defeated Yeo Jia Min 21-13, 21-18 |
| Winning Player | Tai Tzu Ying |
| Final Opponent | Chen Yufei / He Bingjiao (China) |
| Other Chinese Finalists | – Mixed doubles: Jiang/Wei – Women’s doubles: Zhang/Zheng |
With Indians excelling across sports forums globally these days, their home tournaments witness tremendous attention and public interest as well. This 11th edition of the India Open is no exception with fans flocking stadium stands this week.
Top shuttlers like three-time champion Carolina Marin and defending winner Lakshya Sen have been forced out by injuries. But the presence of Olympic gold medalists Chen Yufei and Tai Tzu Ying has fortunately saved the spectacle.
The two living legends promise a gold medal battle for the ages come finals day, having both overcome strong recent challengers.
World no. 2 Chen ousted Canada’s rising Michelle Li in an earlier round while Tai Tzu had to dig deep against junior world champion An Se-young of South Korea in the quarters.
As the Indian crowd’s sentimental favorite thanks to her mesmerizing court craft, the Chinese Taipei ace now eyes a storybook title in her farewell season on the BWF World Tour which she has illuminated for over a decade.
Conclusion
Tai Tzu Ying displayed championship poise in dispensing a talented opponent to enter her second straight final this year at the India Open 2024. The Chinese Taipei legend now prepares for an epic gold medal showdown against arch-rival Chen Yufei in what may be the final clash of their illustrious careers.
