After half a year, Kim So Yeong and Kong Hee Yong are back in an HSBC BWF World Tour semifinal.

Their battle at LI-NING Hong Kong Open 2024 against Olympic silver medallists Liu Sheng Shu/Tan Ning today will mark their first last four appearance since losing to teammates Baek Ha Na/Lee So Hee at the All England in March.

The world No.9 Koreans, No.1 for three weeks in 2022, are now looking ahead with cautious optimism after a spate of injuries disrupted their form.

“It’s great that we can be back in a semifinal. Six months is a long time, we are delighted we can play on a Saturday,” said Kim after the 21-19 21-15 win over Li Wen Mei/Zhang Shu Xian.

“At All England we played beyond our expectations. We haven’t been at our best but I’d rather say we are doing a good job now than focusing on our lack of form.”

For Kong, regaining top fitness takes precedence for now.

“Happy to progress without injury. We try our best step by step,” said the 27-year-old.

“For the upcoming games, let’s work hard together. It’s great to have good results, but I hope we can compete, without any injuries.”

Kim concurred: “No matter what the result is, we should do our best and go all out. I hope we can keep improving.”

Bronze medallists at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Kim/Kong are yet to pick up a title this season after winning four in 2023, including the All England. In total they’ve played 11 events, with their run in Birmingham being their best finish.

→ Results (Quarterfinals)

→ Order of play (Semifinals)

WHAT OTHERS SAID

“He offered his help and we were happy to accept it. When else can we get this opportunity? We feel very lucky.” – Moh Reza Pahlevi Isfahani on having Mohammad Ahsan on the coach’s chair

“We took a short break after the Olympics and resumed training a week before coming to Hong Kong. We are excited to be competing again.” – Huang Dong Ping