Taipei Open: Steady Progress Gathers Pace
Nine months of rehabilitation and countless hours rebuilding confidence have finally delivered a breakthrough for Rehan Naufal Kusharjanto/Gloria Emanuelle Widjaja at YONEX Taipei Open 2026.
· PREM KUMAR
The mixed pair reached their first semifinal since Kusharjanto's return from a serious knee injury after defeating world No.55s Supak Jomkoh/Ornnicha Jongsathapornparn, opponents ranked 40 places above them, 17-21 21-16 21-10.
It marks a significant milestone for Kusharjanto, who tore the ACL and meniscus in his left knee during the Macau Open in August last year. He only returned in May at the Singapore Open.
Since then, the Indonesians have steadily found their rhythm. This week's run has been their best yet, featuring a straight-games upset of sixth seeds Akira Koga and Natsu Saito before surviving their longest match so far – a 47-minute contest that also became their first three-game victory.