BADMINTON/Taiwan's Chou Tien-chen makes it to semifinal in US Open

Taipei, June 28 (CNA) Taiwan's badminton ace Chou Tien-chen (周天成) stayed hot as he secured a semifinal berth in the men's singles at the 2025 US Open on Friday.

Chou entered the Super 300 tournament as the top seed and breezed past Victor Lai of Canada 21-19, 21-8 in 37 minutes, advancing to the semifinals for the second straight tournament.

In early June, the 35-year-old veteran finished runner-up at the Indonesia Open, becoming the oldest male shuttler to reach a Super 1000-level final.

He is set to face Ayush Shetty of India on Saturday for a spot in the final.

Meanwhile, 22-year-old prospect Liao Jhuo-fu (廖倬甫) also secured a spot in the men's singles semifinals by upsetting Japan's second-seeded Kenta Nishimoto 21-18, 21-8.

That victory saw the world No. 76 Liao clinch his first semifinal berth in a Super 300-level tournament. His semifinal opponent is Canada's Brian Yang, ranked No. 33 in the world.

Also on Friday, Taiwanese male duos secured all four semifinal spots, the first time since 2010.

The feat was matched by three Taiwanese female pairings who advanced to the semifinals.

Taiwan's last title in US Open women's doubles dates back to 2010.