Loh Kean Yew was rather pragmatic about his chances of recapturing his form that had catapulted him to the BWF World Championships title five years ago in Spain.

But after 70 minutes of an intense exchange with India Open 2023 winner Kunlavut Vitidsarn, another former world champion, the Singaporean was into the semifinals in New Delhi, a reminder of the spark he is capable of producing.

That Loh defeated his old foe for the first time since their junior years in 2015, and that he took a game from Vitidsarn for the first time since 2023, would perhaps be an accurate reason as to why he has downplayed his own chances of late.

“I know that Kunlavut was very tired from last week (Malaysia) and also this week, but other than that, I’m proud of myself to be able to push myself to the limit and manage to overcome myself,” was Loh’s assessment.

It was Vitidsarn who made the first move with his typically consistent gameplay, working Loh around the court before taking the first game 21-14. Both players appeared to be slowing down from the sheer physicality of the rallies, but Loh found an extra gear, held onto his leads in the next two and was clinical enough to close them out 21-15 21-17.

“I had a spray. It was very hot, and I just felt very hot here, and then I just couldn’t stop moving,” he said, pointing to his lower back, when asked what sparked the turnaround.

Another familiar face in Jonatan Christie awaits him in the semifinals at the YONEX-SUNRISE India Open 2026, with the Indonesian defeating Christo Popov 21-19 21-19.

→ Results (Day 4)

→ Order of Play (Day 5)

WHAT OTHERS SAID

“We have actually succeeded on winning a few times against them (Guo Xin Wa and Chen Fang Hui). We respect their game a lot, but I also think that we are not their favourite opponents. It’s going be a tough match against two really good pairs. So we are really looking forward to play them again.” – Mathias Christensen on him and Alexandra Boje meeting the world No.1 pair of Jiang Zhen Bang/Wei Ya Xin from China in the semifinals.

“Our goal is to get through the year without any injuries, maintain good physical condition, and play in every single match. We don’t have one big overarching goal yet, but we want to enjoy ourselves and deliver our best performance in each and every game.” – Yuki Fukushima on her goals for 2026 with her women’s doubles partner Mayu Matsumoto.

“It was like playing in Korea today. I think the atmosphere is amazing, and many people support me and cheer for me. I’m so happy. (Winning the India Open is) very important because I want to win many titles.” – An Se Young on receiving a lot of support from fans in New Delhi.