Chou Tien-chen Falls to 15-Year-Younger Lai Hao-jun in Indonesia Badminton Semifinals

(Central News Agency reporter Li Jianzhong, Taipei, 6th) In the BWF Super 1000 Indonesia Open, Taiwan's "men's singles ace" Chou Tien-chen faced Lai Hao-jun, who is 15 years his junior, in the semifinals today. After a grueling 77-minute battle, Chou lost 19-21, 21-19, 19-21, failing to secure a ticket to the championship match.

Chou Tien-chen, ranked 6th in the BWF men's singles world rankings, had faced Lai Hao-jun, ranked 14th, once before at the U.S. Open last year, where Chou won easily in straight sets.

However, Lai Hao-jun won the bronze medal in men's singles at the 2025 World Badminton Championships, significantly boosting his world ranking. This allowed him to participate in more high-level tournaments, rapidly accumulating strength and experience.

In the first game, Chou maintained the lead with excellent court control. However, Lai scored 4 consecutive points from a 15-17 deficit to take the lead. Although Chou tied the score at 19-19, Lai won the next two points to take the first game.

In the second game, Chou fought back. Despite trailing 16-19 late in the game, he scored 5 consecutive points to turn the tide, including a lucky net recovery on the 21st point that landed in his opponent's court, leveling the match.

In the decisive third game, Chou's stamina waned. Lai took an early 5-0 lead, maintained a 13-7 advantage in the middle, and held a 19-13 lead late in the game.

Although Chou fought back to 18-19, a costly unforced error gave Lai two match points at 20-18, which he converted to secure the victory.

Chou Tien-chen, now 36, won the Indonesia Open men's singles title in 2019 but fell in the semifinals this year. His opponent, Lai Hao-jun, is only 21 years old. The thrilling match between the two players, with a 15-year age gap, captivated the audience. (Editor: Zhang Mingkun) 1150606