Wang Zhiyi (26, China) defended China's pride.
World No. 2 Wang Zhiyi defeated world No. 76 Tonluk Saeheng (Thailand) 2-0 (21-6, 21-14) in the round of 32 of the women's singles at the 2026 Badminton World Federation (BWF) China Masters held at Shenzhen Arena in China on the 2nd, advancing to the round of 16.
At this tournament, Chinese players Chen Yufei (No. 4) and Han Yue (No. 5) have both declared they will not participate. It is because they entered a period of conditioning ahead of the Asian Games. Some are even saying, "Did they avoid it because they were afraid of Ahn Se-young?"
Wang Zhiyi was different. She is determined to take revenge by meeting Ahn Se-young at this tournament. Wang Zhiyi took an aggressive approach from the first set and won 21-6. Tonluk Saeheng made repeated errors under Wang Zhiyi's relentless attack.
Wang Zhiyi pulled away to 12-5 in the second set and seized control early. In the end, Wang Zhiyi decided the match 38 minutes after it started.
Ultimately, this tournament is expected to become a three-way contest among Ahn Se-young, Wang Zhiyi and Akane Yamaguchi. Ahn Se-young will attempt to win the tournament for a third consecutive year, following 2024 and 2025.
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