Chochuwong Stops Chen Yu Fei

Pornpawee Chochuwong shook off an unenviable record against Chen Yu Fei to take her place in the quarterfinals of the BWF World Championships 2026.

It was a stubborn performance by the Thai, whose only win in 17 matches against the world No.4 had come eight years ago. Today Chochuwong dug in despite fluctuating fortunes in the second game, before staging a comeback from 6-13 in the third to clinch the match 15-21 25-23 21-17 in 84 minutes.

The win gave her a second straight quarterfinal appearance at the World Championships, and a visibly emotional Chochuwong

“I’m really happy to beat her because over the last few weeks I was injured at the Japan Open and China Open. I prepared well to play her and it worked,” said Chochuwong.

“I just kept running and had to take every single shot she played, so I just had to be patient.

“I’m happy to be in the quarterfinals. I always try my best but sometimes I’ve struggled, but this time I’ve seen a way.”

Chen had to reconcile with the end of her World Championships journey.

“Today I think it was a tough match, she has more patience than me. I made a lot of mistakes. She just played better than me. It was very close, so I need to find my answers and move on.

“It’s very hard, and I’m very sad, but it’s OK, I just need to work hard.”