Text by BWF
Michelle Li is back in a Super 500 semifinal, breaking a four-year quarterfinal curse with a gritty win over fellow Pan American contender Beiwen Zhang at LI-NING Hong Kong Open 2025.
The Canadian rallied from a game down to clinch a 16-21 22-20 21-17 victory in 56 minutes – her first over Zhang in two years and her first semifinal appearance at this level since the 2021 HYLO Open.
Despite surrendering leads at 13-8 in the first game and 20-17 in the second, Li dug deep to stay in contention and eventually close out the match.
Li was candid in her post-match reflections.
“I don’t think I was performing my best today. There were a lot of unforced errors. Hopefully I can clean up for tomorrow but I’m happy to reach a Super 500 semifinal again,” said the world No.16.
“Towards the end, she started making more errors as the rallies got longer. I was just trying to hang in there, even if it was kind of ugly. I just tried to grind as much as I could,” added the 33-year-old, who has battled injuries in recent years.
“It’s been a tough few years. I give all glory to God. I’m so lucky to still be doing what I’m doing.”
Li next faces top seed Wang Zhi Yi, who holds a 2-1 edge in their head-to-head.
In the bottom half, Lin Hsiang Ti stunned fourth seed Tomoka Miyazaki 21-13 9-21 14-21, ending her own run of three defeats to her Japanese opponent.
“I’m happy to stop this streak. This win gives me more confidence. She got tired towards the end and I’m glad I could take advantage,” said the world No.24 whose most recent Super 500 semifinal was a year ago at Korea Open. “
Lin will now play defending champion Han Yue for a spot in the final.
