Weng Stuns Antonsen as Shi and Chen Advance at China Open 2026

Posted : 22 July 2026

The 2026 China Open began with a mix of drama and success for the host nation as Weng Hongyang produced one of the tournament's biggest upsets by defeating Denmark's third seed Anders Antonsen in a thrilling first-round contest in Changzhou.

Weng battled back from the brink of defeat to secure a memorable 15-21, 21-17, 22-20 victory after saving three match points in an 84-minute encounter. The former China Open champion trailed 20-17 in the deciding game before showing remarkable composure to win five consecutive points and complete a stunning comeback.

The victory marked an important turning point for the world No. 18, who had endured a difficult 2026 campaign with five first-round exits in eight tournaments. Weng said the win restored his confidence after months of struggling for consistency, adding that he remained positive and refused to give up even when the match appeared lost.

Top seed and world No. 1 Shi Yuqi also progressed to the round of 16, although his match ended in unfortunate circumstances. Singapore's Jason Teh Jia Heng claimed the opening game 21-18 and had carried the momentum into the contest before retiring through injury while trailing 6-2 in the second game.

China's hopes suffered a setback when Lu Guangzu exited the tournament after a straight-games defeat to Chinese Taipei's Lin Chun-Yi, who won 21-18, 21-16 to book his place in the next round.

In the women's singles, Olympic champion Chen Yufei overcame a determined challenge from Japan's Natsuki Nidaira. Chen lost the opening game 21-19 before responding with identical 21-19 and 21-18 victories in the final two games to advance after a gruelling 91-minute battle.

The world No. 4 admitted she struggled to find her best rhythm but was pleased to secure the win. Chen also confirmed that the thigh injury which forced her retirement during last week's Japan Open semifinal is improving after receiving daily treatment. She could now face India's P.V. Sindhu in the second round if the former world champion defeats compatriot Unnati Hooda.

China's women's singles campaign, however, suffered another blow as rising youngster Han Qianxi was eliminated by Indonesia's Putri Kusuma Wardani, leaving Chen as the country's only remaining representative in the draw.

The hosts enjoyed greater success in the doubles events. Men's pair Chen Boyang and Liu Yi, women's top seeds Liu Shengshu and Tan Ning, and mixed doubles duo Gao Jiaxuan and Wu Mengying all advanced with opening-round victories.

The only disappointment in doubles came in the mixed event, where Zhu Yijun and Li Qian were beaten in straight games by France's Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue.

Weng Stuns Antonsen as Shi and Chen Advance at China Open 2026

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics