China Open: Chen Into Pole Position
Chen Yu Fei will contest her home event at VICTOR China Open 2026 – the season's final Super 1000 – from Position 1 in the women's singles draw following the withdrawal of injured world No.1 An Se Young.
· BWF STAFF
That Seed Withdrawal Movement has also reshaped the draw, setting up several enticing early matchups in the discipline. Should they both progress past the opening round, Chen will face Pusarla V. Sindhu, who just claimed the Japan Open title on Sunday. Chen retired in their semifinal duel in Tokyo last week.
A potential quarterfinal clash with Ratchanok Intanon also looms in the top half. Chen opens her campaign against Natsuki Nidaira while Pusarla takes on compatriot Unnati Hooda.
Interestingly, Chen has yet to win the China Open, with her best result a runner-up finish in 2018. She will be hoping to capitalise on An's absence and lift one of the few titles missing from her resume. In the bottom half, Chen's countrywoman and two-time defending champion Wang Zhi Yi opens against Scotland's Kirsty Gilmour.