China’s Hu Zhe’an eased past World Champion Loh Kean Yew of Singapore 21-15, 21-15 on Friday to set-up a semi-final clash against Indian Olympian Lakshya Sen at the King Cup International Badminton Open 2024.
Sen had defeated Hong Kong’s Angus Ng Ka Long in the inaugural men’s singles contest, earlier in the day.
“I faced a very strong opponent at the start of this event, and I think we both performed well, but I was more decisive on some key points. This is my first time to compete against top players, so it was very difficult to win the match, and I am very excited,” said the 18-year-old.
France’s Alex Lanier beat China’s Wang Zijun to advance to semifinals in another match
The inaugural edition of the event features only men’s singles players, including former world champions Loh and Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand, along with Denmark’s World No. 2 Anders Antonsen.