Su Li-yang Ends Rounak Chouhan's Dream Run to Reach US Open Final

The stage was set at the Titan Gym in Fullerton, California, for a classic clash of seasoned experience against youthful momentum. In the semifinals of the 2026 YONEX US Open, Chinese Taipei's eighth seed Su Li-yang squared off against India's 18-year-old sensation Rounak Chouhan. The BWF Super 300 tournament had already seen its share of dramatic upsets throughout the week, but the semifinal round demanded rigorous tactical discipline.[1][2]

Su Li-yang delivered exactly that, securing a straight-games victory over the teenage qualifier. With a final score of 21-17, 21-19, the 24-year-old Taiwanese shuttler booked his ticket to Sunday's summit clash. The match, which lasted a brisk 45 minutes, was a masterclass in nerve control and court management from the veteran, who successfully neutralized his opponent's aggressive surges.[1][2][3]

For Chouhan, the defeat marked the end of a Cinderella run that had captivated the badminton world. Ranked 80th globally and entering the main draw through the grueling qualifying rounds, the teenager from Chhattisgarh had orchestrated the tournament's biggest shockwaves. His path to the semifinal included a staggering upset over world No. 6 and top seed Chou Tien Chen, followed by a ruthless 38-minute dismantling of Israel's experienced Olympian Misha Zilberman.[1]

Stepping onto the court against Su, Chouhan carried the weight of newfound expectation alongside the physical toll of a long, match-heavy week. The opening game saw both players trading sharp rallies, but Su's ability to dictate the pace proved decisive. The eighth seed capitalized on crucial errors from the young Indian, pulling away in the final points to take the first game 21-17.[1][3]

The second game offered a tighter contest as Chouhan mounted a spirited defense, showcasing the resilience that had defined his giant-killing tournament. The teenager kept the scoreline uncomfortably close, forcing Su into extended baseline exchanges and testing his stamina. However, Su's experience shone through in the pressure-cooker moments of the closing rallies.[1][3]

"The key was to stay patient and be focused on the court," Su reflected after the match. Acknowledging the magnitude of the moment for both competitors, he added, "It has been a long time since I've been in a World Tour Super 300 semifinal. We both were nervous, so it was about staying focused." That unwavering focus allowed Su to edge out the second game 21-19, extinguishing Chouhan's hopes of an all-Indian final.[2]

Despite the loss, Chouhan's performance in California represents a monumental breakthrough on the senior international circuit. Having made his BWF World Tour debut just a week prior at the Macau Open, his surge to a Super 300 semifinal guarantees a massive injection of ranking points. Analysts note that his fearless play this week firmly establishes him as one of India's most promising rising stars in the men's singles division.[1]

For Su Li-yang, the victory represents a crucial career milestone and a prime opportunity for silverware. His steady, tactical approach successfully halted one of the tournament's most dangerous unseeded threats. The win sets up a tantalizing final against former world number one Kidambi Srikanth of India, who survived his own grueling 72-minute, three-game semifinal against Japan's Yudai Okimoto.[1][3][4]

The upcoming final promises a fascinating stylistic matchup. Srikanth, a 33-year-old veteran known for his aggressive net play and vast tactical repertoire, will rigorously test Su's defensive solidity and patience. The two have met twice previously on the tour, splitting the victories, with Su winning their most recent encounter in three games at the Thailand Open in May.[1]

As the US Open prepares to crown its champions, the men's singles narrative offers a perfect encapsulation of the sport's current landscape. The tournament highlighted the relentless emergence of fearless teenage talent while ultimately rewarding the seasoned composure of tour veterans. For Su Li-yang, the focus now shifts entirely to Sunday's final and the pursuit of a coveted Super 300 title.[1][2]