Taipei Open: Yoo, Okimoto Spoil Party

The dream of an all-Chinese Taipei YONEX Taipei Open 2026 men’s singles final was dashed on Saturday as Yoo Tae Bin and Yudai Okimoto stunned local favourites Lin Chun Yi and Chou Tien Chen.

As a result, for the first time since 2018, the men’s singles final will not feature a home player, after Yoo and Okimoto held their nerve in contrasting but equally dramatic semifinal victories.

The day’s first upset came courtesy of 22-year-old Yoo, who defeated All England champion Lin 21-19 21-19 – the Korean showing his win at the Asia Team Championships in May was no fluke.

Just when Lin appeared poised to force a deciding game, leading 18-15 in the second, Yoo launched a decisive late surge to close out the match in straight games. The victory sends him into his first HSBC BWF World Tour final, having never progressed beyond the second round at six previous events. In doing so, he becomes the first men’s singles qualifier to reach a World Tour final this season.

“Of course there was pressure but I felt I was able to enjoy the occasion and the match,” Yoo said. “It’s a great result against a top player so I’m pleased with my performance.

“I’ve beaten him twice so I must believe I’m good enough to compete at this level. I have to be a decent player to be able to do that but I do need to keep working on my confidence.”

The second semifinal proved even more dramatic.

After dropping the opening game, Okimoto fought back to defeat top seed Chou 15-21 21-15 22-20, saving two match points before reeling off the next two points to silence the home crowd, a month after doing the same to Victor Lai en route to winning the Canada Open.

“My opponent is truly a world-class player so I knew I had to go for it,” said the 21-year-old Okimoto. “I stuck to my own game until the very end without being intimidated.”

The Japanese credited recent defeats to Jonatan Christie and Shi Yu Qi for preparing him to withstand the pressure.

“Because I had competed against some of the world’s best players, I was more accustomed to their pace and shots. That helped me play well.”

Sunday’s final will pit two youngsters looking to establish themselves on the senior circuit. For Yoo, simply reaching the title match is already a milestone.

“I’m excited I get to play on a Sunday,” he said with a smile. “It’s going to be fun.”