TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan's badminton ace Chou Tien-chen (周天成) advanced to the men's singles final at the Japan Open, defeating local favorite Kodai Naraoka in straight sets 21-14, 21-16.

The victory marked Chou's fifth consecutive win over Naraoka. This includes his recent round-of-16 victory at the Paris Olympics, per CNA.

Chou previously reached the Japan Open final in 2022 but lost to local player Kenta Nishimoto. In the upcoming final, he will face 19-year-old French player Alex Lanier.

Chou, ranked 10th in the world, holds a 1-0 record against Lanier, ranked 29th. Chou defeated him at the Hylo Open last year.

At 34, Chou continues to excel in badminton. He has expressed his desire to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. 

Six Taiwanese men's singles players competed in this year's Japan Open. Chou is the only one to advance to the final.