Cheng Xing and Zhang Chi Stun Defending Champions to Advance at 2026 Asian Badminton Championships

The 2026 Asian Badminton Championships opened in Ningbo with a statement victory that has already shifted the mixed doubles landscape. In a grueling three-set battle on April 7, China’s Cheng Xing and Zhang Chi dismantled the defending champions from Hong Kong, Tang Chun Man and Ng Ka Man, to secure their spot in the round of 16.

The match, held at the Ningbo Olympic Sports Center, was a rollercoaster of momentum. Cheng and Zhang dropped the opening game 19-21, facing the pressure of an early deficit against the tournament’s title holders. Though, the Chinese pair displayed remarkable resilience, clawing back to take the second game 21-19 and forcing a decider.

Once in the third set, the match turned into a rout. Cheng and Zhang surged ahead with an overwhelming 21-7 victory in the final frame, leaving the defending champions stunned and exiting the tournament in the first round.

Resilience Under Pressure

The victory is a continuation of a hot streak for Cheng and Zhang, who entered the tournament with significant momentum after capturing two Super 300 titles in March. Their ability to maintain composure after losing the first set proved to be the deciding factor.

Reflecting on the win, Zhang Chi emphasized the mental toughness required to overcome the defending champions. “Compared to previous matches, we still have areas where we played well and areas where we didn’t,” Zhang said. “But the difference is that when we faced difficulties on the court, we were more determined. We believed in ourselves and we believed in each other.”

For the global badminton community, this result signals a potential changing of the guard in the mixed doubles category, as Cheng and Zhang have now secured two consecutive wins over the Hong Kong duo.

A Perfect Start for Team China

While the upset involving Cheng and Zhang grabbed the headlines, the opening day was a comprehensive success for the Chinese national team. Across the qualifying rounds and the mixed doubles first round, four Chinese pairs entered the fray, and all four emerged victorious.

The tournament’s top seeds, Feng Yanzi and Huang Dongping, provided the most dominant performance of the day. The world number one pair cruised through their opening match against Thailand’s Pakkapo and Sashiliee, winning 21-5, 21-13. This victory marks a third consecutive win for Feng and Huang over the Thai pair.

the pair of Guo Xinwa and Chen Fanghui advanced to the round of 16 after defeating Chinese Taipei’s Wu Kuan-Hsun and Lee Chia-Hsin 21-17, 21-18, marking their first-ever victory against those opponents.

Qualifiers and Walkovers

The action extended beyond the mixed doubles main draw. In the men’s doubles qualifying rounds, He Jiting and Ren Xiangyu fought their way into the main draw. Having seen their ranking slip due to a recent period of inactivity, the pair had to start from the qualifiers. They handled Japan’s Momota Aizawa and Daisuke Sano with a straight-sets win, 21-16, 21-17.

Ren Xiangyu noted the importance of the opportunity, stating that the team had invested heavily in pre-tournament training to ensure their chemistry and feel were sharp for the opening matches.

Other Chinese athletes advanced via walkovers. In men’s doubles, Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang moved into the round of 16 after Chinese Taipei’s Liu Guangheng and Yang Po-Han withdrew before the match. Similarly, in men’s singles, Weng Hongyang advanced following the withdrawal of Lin Jun-yi.

The Road to the Quarterfinals

With the first round concluded, the bracket is set for the next stage of competition in Ningbo. The Chinese pairs now face a variety of international challengers as they vie for a spot in the quarterfinals.

The upcoming matchups for the advancing Chinese mixed doubles pairs are as follows:

• Feng Yanzi / Huang Dongping will face the Indonesian pair of Marwa and Sianavi.
• Guo Xinwa / Chen Fanghui are scheduled to play against Malaysia’s Lim Choo Xian and Huang Tian Qi.
• Cheng Xing / Zhang Chi will take on Yang Po-Hsun and Hu Ling-Fang of Chinese Taipei.

In men’s doubles, He Jiting and Ren Xiangyu will begin their main draw campaign against Malaysia’s Wan Wei Chong and Zheng Kaiwen.

The tournament continues at the Ningbo Olympic Sports Center, with all eyes on whether Cheng and Zhang can maintain their momentum or if the top-seeded Feng and Huang will steamroll their way to the title.

Stay tuned to Archysport for further updates and match reports from the 2026 Asian Badminton Championships. Let us know in the comments who your pick is for the mixed doubles gold!