China Masters: Miyazaki Refuses to Blink, Defies Wang
Tomoka Miyazaki turned reflection into resilience on Saturday, producing a stunning comeback to defeat second-seeded local favourite Wang Zhi Yi 21-19 23-21 and reach the LI-NING China Masters 2026 final.
· PREM KUMAR
The Japanese youngster appeared to be slipping away in the opening game when Wang moved 19-15 ahead. Then came a remarkable six-point surge. Miyazaki seized control, taking the game 21-19 and carrying that momentum into a tense second.
At 20-19, she stared down match point. She saved it. At 21-20, she did it again. Moments later, Miyazaki had completed one of the biggest wins of her career.
“It’s just pure joy and happiness,” she said after the match.