Chinese rising star reaches WTT Smash final, eyes first title
Chen, 19, beat compatriot Kuai Man 4-3 in her first semi-final, winning 6-11, 11-3, 3-11, 11-9, 9-11, 11-1, 11-9 in 53 minutes. Chen levelled the match on three occasions and came from behind in the tense decider.
It was the rising star's second win in as many matches against world No 5 Kuai.
'I had played against Kuai so many times before and we were on a similar level,' Chen said. 'I guess I had a bit more luck today, and I am thrilled right now.
'[My final opponent] Zhu is more experienced. I lost 3-0 to her in Taiyuan, so obviously I am the underdog here and I will do the best I can to challenge her.'
Zhu Yuling has her sights on a first title after reaching the WTT Smash final. Photo: Handout
Chen's run – which included a stunning 3-1 win over Sun Yingsha and a victory from 3-0 down to eliminate Japan's Hina Hayata – in Las Vegas sparked an off-field saga back home.
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