SINGAPORE – In an electrifying showdown, World No. 11 Loh Kean Yew stormed into the finals of the Taipei Open, showcasing his resilience against home favorite Wang Tzu-wei with a stunning comeback victory of 21-18, 21-9 on May 10.

The 27-year-old Singaporean now stands just one match away from claiming his 10th career title, ready to face off against World No. 7 Chou Tien-chen, a four-time Taipei Open champion, in the final scheduled for May 11.

The Semi-Final Drama Unfolds

Initially, it seemed like Wang had the upper hand, capitalizing on Loh’s early misjudgments and racing ahead with a 6-point lead. The crowd rallied behind Wang as he dominated, leaving Loh struggling at the interval.

However, with tactical guidance from his coach, Loh adapted his game sharply, addressing the tricky court conditions that played against him. "I had trouble controlling the draught... so I did my best to come up with solutions," Loh commented. His strategy changed dramatically as he started to attack more and assert control over the net.

The turning point came during an intense rally that displayed incredible skill and reflexes, allowing Loh to level the score at 16-16 before clinching the first game at 21-18.

Dominance in the Second Game

With momentum on his side, Loh transitioned seamlessly into the second game, unleashing powerful shots and finishing decisively with a score of 21-9. His spirited performance not only secured his spot in the final but also marked a strong comeback after a challenging season.

Rising to the Challenge

After struggling to find form recently—winning only five out of his last 15 matches since the 2024 Paris Olympics—Loh is visibly regaining his competitive edge. His recent endeavors include a commendable finish at the German Open and the All England Open, demonstrating his determination to rise back up the rankings.

Training has been rigorous following the Badminton Asia Championships, where Loh sharpened his skills in Jiangxi, China, under the guidance of former champion Zhao Junpeng.

Aiming for Glory

Loh’s journey is also fueled by his past triumphs, including winning the 2021 World Championship and multiple titles on the Badminton World Federation World Tour. As he eyes his next championship win, there's no doubt he’s come a long way and is ready to leave his mark in the finals against Chou Tien-chen.

With an incredible blend of talent, perseverance, and strategic training, Loh Kean Yew is not just aiming for a title but is on a mission to reclaim his place among badminton’s elite. The final promises to be a showdown of epic proportions!