Men's singles blockbuster quarterfinal matches stay on course as much predicted with the most anticipated Lee ZJ-Momota encounter, the defending champion got incredible resistence by Canadian much-improved player Brian Yang in opener before to ease his way in next game. The Japanese frontrunner avenged his defeat in two major events last year (Tokyo OG and Thomas Cup 2020) over nemesis Heo KW, there was slightly different game that applied by Momota last night, his supreme net play is back alongside escalating intention to attack particularly in second game. The talking point goes to IND rising star Lakshya Sen who continues his fine run to conquer world #3 player, showing the clever play with aggressive style to topple the Dane fluctuated form and aggravated by unusual modest defense. The intensity amplified after interval break of second game when Antonsen took over the lead but waned in crucial stages. Well, Indonesian leading men Ginting, Christie finally break second round curse in All England to enter quarterfinal for the first time, they will confront formidable Axelsen and veteran Chou Tien Chen respectively.
Today's women singles primary focus will serve the clash of last two edition winners, Tai TY versus Okuhara. Tai had unpredictable fight to beat Ongbamrungphan in two close games, she had problem at back line, either misjudgement or shuttlecock wide, fortunately her deceptive shots were executed well when it mattered most to avoid rubber games. Credit to Thai player who answered Tai quality shots precisely that mixed by disguising drop shots that directed Taiwanese ace into under pressure condition. It'll be China-Japan encounter at bottom-half draw, Sayaka Takahashi outlasted Pusarla Sindhu in three games to damage popular script.
- Indonesia emphasizes its depth in men's double discipline that represented by one pair in each quarter, two established forces Minions, Daddies plus up-and-coming stars Carnando/Marthin and Fikri/Maulana, all of them will take on complex task to progress. Hoki/Kobayashi will be major stumbling block despite the World Champions had unconvincing feat in preliminary rounds.
- Rarely to see women's double deviation as string of regular high profile names faltered before quarters, the new champion awaits in this category, perhaps Korea has bigger prospect to top podium on Sunday through their mainstays, Kim/Kong who will be challenged by Shida/Matsuyama whilst Lee/Shin have more comfortable opponent to tackle, the Indian newcomers Jolly/Pullela who advanced following the Olympic Champs retired as Apriani Rahayu injured.
- It's cruel fate that home favorites Ellis/Smith must end their campaign after delivered stiff fight but lost narrowly to Kaneko/Matsumoto, mixed doubles holdovers hasn't meet true ordeal yet to outclass their opponents. Bass/Popor will up against the only European survivors Gicquel/Delrue while the Chinese giants are predicted to sail through into semis, the Olympic Champs will be reminded by painful defeat and memorable blunder in 2020 AE semifinal against Jordan/Oktavianti.
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