BWF World Championships 2026: Yamaguchi Eyes Fourth Title; Lanier Looks To Create History For France

New Delhi, August 23: Defending champion Akane Yamaguchi kept her bid for a fourth badminton world title alive, defeating Thailand’s Pornpawee Chochuwong 21-12, 21-17 in the semifinals at New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium. The Japanese star will face world No. 1 An Se-young in the final.

On the other hand, Alex Lanier made history by becoming the first French shuttler to reach the finals of the BWF World Championships. Lanier will be facing Japan’s Kodai Naroka, who is himself searching for that coveted gold medal, which he failed to bag at the 2023 BWF World Championships.

Yamaguchi Sets Up Title Clash With An Se-young

The Japanese shuttler dominated the opening exchange, leaving Thailand’s Chochuwong struggling to match her pace. The Thai had entered the last four without playing her quarterfinal, following Okuhara’s withdrawal because of a knee problem.

The contest became far more competitive in the following game, yet Yamaguchi’s composure under pressure ultimately proved decisive. Her victory secured another appearance in the championship decider.

“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 enjoying the final,” said Yamaguchi.

On the other side of the draw, reigning Olympic champion An Se-young survived a stern challenge from Chinese third seed Wang Zhiyi, prevailing 24-22, 21-16 after 61 minutes of play.

The 2023 champion was forced to work throughout the opening game as Wang refused to give up ground. Fatigue became increasingly evident during the second game amid Delhi’s humid conditions, but An managed her energy better and maintained enough intensity to secure victory. “Too tired, we played long rallies,” an exhausted An said after the win. “I did give my everything. I was only concentrating on recovering faster while breathing.”

Alex Lanier Puts France On Badminton World Map

In the men’s draw, France’s Alex Lanier secured a place in the championship decider after overcoming Canada’s Victor Lai 16-21, 21-13, 21-14 following 85 minutes of high-intensity play.

The ninth-seeded Frenchman, who had already created history by becoming his country’s first male shuttler to claim a World Championships medal with his quarterfinal triumph, endured a difficult beginning. Lai took the opening game, although Lanier forced his seventh-seeded rival to fight for every rally after establishing a 7-0 advantage.

Lanier raised his level in the next game, while Lai appeared to lose momentum. The Frenchman, ranked 10th globally, quickly took advantage and forced the contest into a deciding game.

With the pressure at its peak, Lanier produced a series of attacking strokes to finish the match. He then dropped to his knees in celebration after completing the comeback.

“I don’t feel that emotional at the moment,” Lanier said after the gruelling battle. “I am too tired to feel how big it is, but I am just focusing on the next match tomorrow and do it the right way.”

France had already enjoyed another major success earlier in the day, with mixed doubles combination Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue defeating China’s Jiang Zhen Bang and Wei Ya Xin to advance to the final.

Lanier’s opponent in the summit clash will be Japan’s Kodai Naraoka, who defeated Taiwan’s Chou Tien-chien 17-21, 21-11, 21-10 in the other semifinal.

Chou grabbed the first game, but his intensity dipped as the match progressed. Naraoka seized control in the deciding game, dominating the tiring Taiwanese player to book his maiden appearance in a World Championships final.