China Open: Apprentice Prevails Over Master
Badminton fans were presented with a glimpse into the future today. And for Team Japan it was perhaps the passing of the baton from master to apprentice.
· LLOYD GREEN
Former world junior champion and 18-year-old bright spark Tomoka Miyazaki proved too good for countrywoman Akane Yamaguchi 22-20 21-15 in their VICTOR China Open 2024 semifinal.
Yamaguchi’s glittering career remains an inspiration for the next generation of Japan’s women’s singles stars coming through the system. But it was the younger Miyazaki who had all the answers today.
“My target before the start of the tournament was to reach the quarterfinals. So, I’m extremely happy to have won yesterday’s match and today’s match. It’s my dream and goal to play in tomorrow’s final,” Miyazaki said.