Kodai Naraoka. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Japanese shuttler Kodai Naraoka is out to end China’s title quest in the men’s singles event in the Malaysian Masters.
Naraoka is plotting a win against Li Shifeng, who is China’s last representative left in the meet.
The 2023 World Championships silver medallist prevented an all-Chinese semi-final after beating world No. 14 Weng Hongyang 21-12, 21-19 at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil on Friday (May 23).
World No. 8 Naraoka was pleased after coming out on top over the tricky Hongyang.
"Hongyang is not easy to play against, so I’m happy that I managed to beat him," said Naraoka.
"Shifeng is also a tough opponent, so I need to prepare well to make the final."
If Naraoka manages to topple Shifeng, China’s wait for a men’s singles title in the competition will continue.
Surprisingly, the badminton powerhouse have never had a winner in the event since the tournament’s inception in 2009.
Shifeng is under pressure to end the long wait in the absence of world No. 1 teammate Shi Yuqi.
Based on the head-to-head records, Shifeng holds the advantage as he has beaten Naraoka five times in their past eight meetings.
The latter’s last win over the former came in the 2022 Korean Masters.
Both Naraoka and Shifeng are eyeing a place in their first final this year.
