For the first time since its inception in 2005, the China Masters will crown non-local mixed doubles champions on Sunday – a historic moment that ends an extraordinary 20 years of domestic dominance.

The breakthrough came at Shenzhen Arena, where Thailand’s Dechapol Puavaranukroh/Supissara Paewsampran and Malaysia’s newly-crowned world champions Chen Tang Jie/Toh Ee Wei triumphed over their Chinese opponents in the semifinals.

Puavaranukroh and Paewsampran needed 43 minutes to dispatch top seeds Jiang Zhen Bang/Wei Ya Xin 21-17 22-20. In contrast, Chen and Toh endured a gruelling 80-minute battle against defending champions Feng Yan Zhe/Huang Dong Ping, ultimately prevailing 22-24 21-19 21-17.

“We are too tired to think right now!” Chen admitted after the exhausting match. “But we are really happy with this result. The last time we beat them was at the Olympics, and we’ve lost four straight matches since. It feels great to finally turn that around.”

Toh added: “Our coach always reminds us to show character on court, and I think we did that today, whether we were trailing or leading. We stayed focused on every point.”

Sunday’s final offers Chen and Toh a chance to break their two-match losing streak against the Thai pair, who currently lead the head-to-head 3-1.

Asked about the prospect of becoming history makers, Puavaranukroh said: “No pressure and just play with a smile. Hopefully we can be the first (overseas) champions.”

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

• Weng Hong Yang is the event’s first Chinese men’s singles finalist in the HSBC BWF World Tour era. He beat Christo Popov 21-17 21-18.
• An Se Young faces a rematch with Han Yue after retiring with injury during their last encounter, in the China Open semifinal. An won all her previous six finals this season.
• Her compatriots Kim Hye Jeong/Kong Hee Yong will contest the women’s doubles title match after surprising top seeds Liu Sheng Shu/Tan Ning 21-18 18-21 21-19.
• Another reigning champion to fall is Anders Antonsen, who lost 21-19 21-14 to Lin Chun-Yi.

→ Results (Semifinals)

→ Order of play (Finals)