Chou Tien Chen is one match away from becoming the HYLO Open’s most successful men’s singles player after coming through a stiff 72-minute semifinal against French youngster Alex Lanier.

The three-time champion, also runner-up to Anthony Sinisuka Ginting last season, took the first game 21-19 but his 18-year-old opponent won the second by the same score. The momentum kept Lanier on top for most of the decider before Chou went on a splendid eight-point run at 13-15 down to seal his place in the title match.

Chou, the sole male player to win three straight editions of the event (2012-2014) this century, when it was known as the Bitburger Open, plays Hong Kong China’s Lee Cheuk Yiu for the crown.

Lee defeated another Frenchman, Toma Junior Popov, 21-17 21-12 in his semifinal.

Other highlights

• Rehan Naufal Kusharjanto/Lisa Ayu Kusumawati kept their title defence alive, coming back from a game down to beat Mathias Christiansen/Alexandra BØje 15-21 21-17 21-19 and set up a bout against Tang Chun Man/Tse Ying Suet.
• Line Højmark Kjaersfeldt is back in an HSBC BWF World Tour final after four years following her 21-16 21-17 victory over 2020 winner Kirsty Gilmour. Kjaersfeldt finished runner-up at the 2019 Spain Masters the last time she made a final.

→ Results (Semifinals)

→ Order of Play (Finals)