BWF World Championships: Akane Yamaguchi, An Se-young set up final showdown in women's single; Alex Lanier to face Kodai Naraoka in men's single

Defending champion Akane Yamaguchi moved one step closer to a fourth badminton world championship title after defeating Thailand’s Pornpawee Chochuwong in straight games on Saturday at New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium. The Japanese star won 21-12, 21-17, producing a dominant display in the opening game before being pushed harder in the second.

Yamaguchi’s composure and experience ultimately proved decisive as she secured her place in the world championship final for the fourth time. Chochuwong had advanced to the semifinals after receiving a walkover in the quarterfinal when Japan’s Nozomi Okuhara withdrew with a knee injury. “I don’t look back at the previous wins that much, but yeah, it is amazing that I am here today and looking forward to enjoy the final," said Yamaguchi.

Yamaguchi will now face top-ranked An Se-young in a blockbuster women’s singles final. The reigning Olympic champion and top seed overcame China’s world no. 3 Wang Zhi Yi 24-22, 21-16 in a 61-minute semifinal. An was forced to fight hard against a determined Wang, particularly in a tense opening game. Both players appeared to tire in the humid Delhi conditions during the second game, but An’s resilience helped her pull away and keep her bid for a second world championship gold medal alive.

An Se-young admitted fatigue played a major role in her hard-fought semifinal victory over Wang Zhi Yi, saying the long rallies left both players exhausted. “I was only concentrating on recovering faster while breathing.” The world no. 1 said she focused on staying safe and composed during the demanding exchanges with Wang. “I was more focused on playing safely so that I can win the match.” With Akane Yamaguchi awaiting her in the final, An said she would concentrate on finding her rhythm quickly and staying focused on her own game. “I just focus on myself and do my best.”

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Lanier makes history for France

In the men’s singles competition, France’s Alex Lanier reached his first world championship final after overcoming Canada’s Victor Lai 16-21, 21-13, 21-14 in an intense semi-final lasting one hour and 25 minutes. The ninth-seeded Lanier, already assured of becoming the first Frenchman to win a world championship medal after his quarter-final victory, had to recover from losing the opening game.

Lai started strongly and raced to a 7-0 lead, but Lanier refused to surrender and forced his opponent to work for every point. The 21-year-old Frenchman then raised his level in the second game as Lai appeared to lose some of his energy. Lanier took advantage of the momentum shift, controlled the decisive game and sealed victory with a series of impressive winners. He dropped to his knees in celebration after securing his place in the final.

France had already enjoyed another landmark result earlier in the day when mixed doubles pair Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue defeated China’s Jiang Zhen Bang and Wei Ya Xin in their semifinal. Lanier will face Japan’s Kodai Naraoka for the men’s singles world title. Naraoka recovered from losing the opening game to beat Taiwan’s Chou Tien-chien 17-21, 21-11, 21-10. Chou looked increasingly fatigued in the deciding game, allowing Naraoka to take control and reach his first world championship final.