Video key as China's Shi moves into All England Open semis

Shi Yuqi ended the giant-killing run of Japan's Kanta Tsuneyama as the Chinese defending champion moved into the All England Open semi-finals on Friday.

Tsuneyama had shocked 2018 All England finalist and six-time champion Lin Dan earlier in this week's tournament.

But Shi ensured he wouldn't become the latest big name to crash out as he prevailed 21-14, 21-7 in the quarter-final clash.

Yet to drop a set, Shi said video analysis was a key factor in his impressive 37-minute win.

"I feel like my style of play is very different to Lin Dan's, so I think this match I managed to use my way of playing, I think that's the reason I did well today," he said.

"He (Tsuneyama) started to lose patience by the end of the first set and after the second one he was losing the points quite quickly.

"I watched videos where he played against other Japanese players and he was doing lots of quick attacks, lots of powerful smashes and he tries to get you to lose your patience.

"So I used counter-attacking tactics and I think that worked quite well for me today."

Hong Kong's Ng Ka Long Angus is also through to the semi-finals after beating Tommy Sugiarto 22-24, 21-17, 21-16 on the other side of the draw.

Danes Viktor Axelsen and Jan O Jorgensen will meet to set up a Saturday showdown against Shi.

© 2019 AFP