China Masters: Liu/Hsu Tame World Champs
Thom Gicquel/Delphine Delrue found their first test as world champions a painful one as Liu Kuang Heng/Hsu Yin-hui stunned them 23-21 21-10 in just 38 minutes in the LI-NING China Masters 2026 opening round on Wednesday.
· PREM KUMAR
Liu/Hsu produced a composed and aggressive display to subdue the French duo, who claimed the world title just two Sundays ago.
Trailing 19-17, Liu/Hsu fought back to level the score before saving a game point and eventually closing out the game 23-21. That breakthrough proved decisive – with the pressure shifting firmly onto the French, Liu/Hsu raced through the second game 21-10.
“Knowing they had just become world champions, we naturally really wanted to challenge them; we wanted to beat them even more,” said Liu.