TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwanese badminton player Chou Tien-chen (周天成) swiftly advanced to the round of 16 at the India Open on Tuesday (Jan. 14), defeating Brian Yang (楊燦) in just 31 minutes. Fresh off his 35th birthday, the ninth-ranked Taiwanese badminton player secured a decisive 21-12, 21-9 victory, continuing his quest in the Super 750 series after last week's quarterfinal exit at the Malaysia Open.
Chou, who boasts a 6-1 record against Yang, dominated the match despite their recent encounters going to three sets. He opened with a 6-1 lead, briefly allowing Yang to close the gap, but surged ahead with a 9-0 run to take the first set 21-12. Chou faced little resistance in the second set, leading 11-4 at the technical timeout and sealing the win 21-9. He will face China's Lu Guangzu (陸光祖) in the next round.
In men's doubles, Wang Chi-lin (王齊麟) and Chiu Hsiang-chieh (邱相榤) also progressed to the round of 16, overpowering Scotland's Matthew Grimley and Christopher Grimley in straight sets. The Taiwanese duo won the first set 21-11 and, despite trailing 2-4 in the second, quickly adjusted to claim a 21-15 victory. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Chou Tien-chen and the formidable doubles team to see if they can maintain their momentum and secure further victories in the coming rounds.
