World champions Mohammad Ahsan and Hendra Setiawan had a shaky start to their title defence at the YONEX All England 2020, but eventually overcame stubborn opponents Akira Koga/Taichi Saito in a tense finish.

The second seeds were 0-7 and 8-13 down in the third due to some erratic play, but got their act together and pulled ahead. With three match points at 20-17, the Indonesians were nearly through, but the Japanese refused to give in and drew level. The Japanese denied their opponents three more match points before Ahsan and Setiawan clinched the issue on their seventh match point: 12-21 21-13 25-23.

Ginting Falls

It wasn’t a particularly memorable day for Indonesia, with their top two men’s singles hopes biting the dust. Sixth seed Jonatan Christie was first to go, as he bowed out to Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia, 21-15 21-13. His compatriot and fourth seed Anthony Sinisuka Ginting also stumbled at the first hurdle, with Denmark’s Rasmus Gemke showing a sound defence and strong character to beat the Indonesian 21-14 21-18.

Women’s doubles pair Greysia Polii/Apriyani Rahayu were the other prominent Indonesian casualty, beaten 21-17 21-15 by Chang Ye Na/Kim Hye Rin.

Match of the Day

Barcelona Spain Masters champion Pornpawee Chochuwong rode a roller-coaster performance to edge Han Yue 21-17 14-21 24-22.

Chochuwong appeared to have all but wrapped up the contest with a 19-12 lead in the third, only for Han to reel in eight points in a row. The Thai saved two match points before completing victory in the 66^th minute.

Other Results

• Lakshya Sen stopped Hong Kong Open champion Lee Cheuk Yiu in an entertaining battle, 17-21 21-8 21-17.
• Canadians Jason Anthony Ho-Shue/Nyl Yakura took a game off Marcus Fernaldi Gideon/Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo before the Minions stormed back in the third game, 21-18 20-22 21-14.
• It was a good day for Marcus Ellis and Lauren Smith, as they won their doubles and mixed.

Talking Point

“I’ve heard so much about the All England and it was a dream to play here. I’m glad I had such a good first match. After a slow start I was able to improve my speed and follow my shots to the net,” – Lakshya Sen, after beating Lee Cheuk Yiu.

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