With a new physicality and patience not commonly associated with him, Lee Cheuk Yiu made his first HSBC BWF World Tour Super 750 final after a hard slog that went 84 minutes. That he did it against Kodai Naraoka, he of the tireless legs and unrelenting spirit, says much about the qualities that Lee has added to his game.

These qualities were on view in the semifinal today at the YONEX SUNRISE India Open 2024.

Naraoka had taken the match to favoured territory in the third game, from where he could wear down his opponent, but Lee was up for the challenge – injecting pace at opportune moments, and not hesitating to stay in the rallies when Naraoka tested his durability.

At four match points though, the occasion seemed to get to Lee and he made a few nervous errors to help Naraoka come to within a point at 19-20. Having drilled a winner that was challenged, Lee slumped by the advertising boards near his coach, too nervous to look at the screen. But his shot had indeed been a winner, and the celebrations followed.

“In the end I was really nervous. The last point was a challenge, and I was really scared to see the screen. I was hoping it was a winner. It’s my first Super 750 final, so I’m very excited,” said Lee.

“I tried not to think too much. Just run. Just play one shot by one shot. Trust myself and my coach. These last three matches were good for me, I’ve surprised myself.

“I haven’t arrived yet. This tournament I’m performing better, but I think I can be better and stronger. I still feel it’s not enough, I haven’t arrived at that level, but I’m starting to feel it now.”

Other Highlights

• Mayu Matsumoto/Wakana Nagahara made their first Super 750 final in over a year as they beat Baek Ha Na/Lee So Hee 21-13 21-16. The Japanese’s last Super 750 final was the French Open in October 2022.
• Tai Tzu Ying entered her third straight final with a comfortable 21-13 21-18 result over Yeo Jia Min, and will take on Chen Yu Fei, with both players looking for their first India Open title.
• Aaron Chia/Soh Wooi Yik’s semifinal challenge against Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty fell apart after a Shetty shot hit Chia in the eye in the second game. The Indians progressed to their second final in two weeks.

→ Results (Semifinals)

→ Order of Play (Finals)

WHAT OTHERS SAID:

“I felt bad for him. Just a few days back Mathias had hit me in the eye and I couldn’t see for 10 minutes. I know how bad it is. Luckily he was okay in a couple of minutes, but that probably changed the rhythm in our way.” – Shetty on the shuttle hitting Chia’s eye

“My attitude to every challenge is now different. I’m now excited every time I’m playing top players. I want to bring my best in every match, I’m always looking to push myself on every point.” – Yeo stays positive despite her loss