TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Ye Hong-wei (葉宏蔚) and Chan Yu-chen (詹又蓁) advanced to the mixed doubles round of 16 at the 2024 Japan Open on Tuesday (Aug. 20) after a thrilling victory. They defeated Japan's Hiroki Nishi and Akari Sato with scores of 21-19, 11-21, and 21-11.
Ye and Chan faced an early setback, entering the technical timeout in the first game trailing 8-11. However, they made a remarkable comeback, scoring five consecutive points and ultimately securing the game. The Japanese duo staged a strong comeback in the second game, extending the match.
In the decisive third game, Ye and Chan regained momentum, scoring six consecutive points and widening the gap to win the match in 49 minutes. This victory marks their first international win as a pair.
Ye began partnering with Lee Chia-hsin (李佳馨) last year to secure Olympic qualification. After the Olympic Games Paris 2024, Lee needed time to adjust, leading Ye to team up with Chan for the Japan Open and Korea Open.
Ye and Chan's opponents in the round of 16 have yet to be determined. However, it is anticipated that they may face Japan's two-time Olympic bronze medalists, Yuta Watanabe and Arisa Higashino.