China's shuttlers power into last 16 at Hangzhou Asiad

Chen Yufei of China competes in the badminton women's singles round of 32 against Zoraida Dela Torre Costa Gusmao de Jesus of Timor-Leste at the Hangzhou Asian Games, Oct. 3, 2023. (Xinhua/Chen Bin)

Chinese shuttlers made the last 16 in men's and women's singles, as well as women's doubles at the Hangzhou Asian Games.

HANGZHOU, Oct. 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese badminton players all advanced into the last 16 in three categories at the Hangzhou Asian Games on Tuesday.

Women's Olympic champion Chen Yufei eased past Zoraida Dela Costa Gusmao de Jesus from Timor-Leste 21-1, 21-1 in just 17 minutes, while her teammate He Bingjiao overcame Natsuki Nidaira of Japan 21-17, 17-21, 21-14.

World No. 1 An Se-young from South Korea and Chinese Taipei star player Tai Tzu-ying also progressed through, after securing 2-0 victories over their respective opponents.

Shi Yuqi of China hits a return during the men's singles round of 32 of against Lee Cheuk Yiu of Hong Kong, China, Oct. 3, 2023. (Xinhua/Chen Bin)

The men's singles witnessed a tough battle between China's Shi Yuqi and Lee Cheuk Yiu from Hong Kong, China. Shi secured a last 16 berth with a 21-16, 18-21, 21-12 victory. In a quick 31-minute match, Shi's compatriot Li Shifeng swept Murad Ali of Pakistan 21-11, 21-11.

In the women's doubles, Chinese pair Zhang Shuxian and Zheng Yu triumphed over Mongolia's Kherlen Darkhanbaatarand Myagmartseren Ganbaatar 21-1, 21-4 to progress into the next round, while top-seeded pair Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan enjoyed a bye to reach last 16.

The round of 16 matches in five categories will take place on Wednesday. ■