Singapore Badminton Open 2026: Gao Jiaxuan/Wei Yaxin Triumph in Thrilling Upset
Local time 3:00 PM, May 28, 2026 — In a hard-fought encounter at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, Chinese mixed doubles pair Gao Jiaxuan and Wei Yaxin staged a dramatic comeback to defeat French duo Thomas Gicquel and Delphine Delrue 21-19, 18-21, 21-17 in the quarterfinals of the Singapore Badminton Open. The result marks a significant milestone for the Chinese pair as they advance to the semifinals of the BWF World Tour Super 500 event.
Breaking Down the Match
The encounter, which lasted 78 minutes, showcased the resilience of Gao and Wei against a tenacious French pairing. The Chinese team faced a 12-8 deficit in the opening game but clawed back with a 9-1 run, capitalizing on Delrue’s unforced errors and Gicquel’s inconsistent net play. The second game saw a tactical shift, with Gicquel and Delrue employing a more aggressive smash-and-run strategy to take the frame 21-18.
The decisive third game featured a pivotal 8-0 run by Gao and Wei in the middle, fueled by Gao’s sharp cross-court smashes and Wei’s defensive prowess. The Chinese pair closed out the match with a 5-1 run, sealing the victory with a forehand drop shot that eluded Delrue’s reach.
Context and Significance
The Singapore Badminton Open, part of the BWF World Tour Super 500 series, is one of the most prestigious events on the Asian badminton calendar. With a prize pool of $420,000 and world ranking points up for grabs, the tournament attracts top-tier players from across the globe. Gao and Wei’s victory extends China’s dominance in mixed doubles, following recent successes by Zheng Siwei/Huang Yaqiong at the 2025 All England Open.
For Gao Jiaxuan, 23, and Wei Yaxin, 22, this win represents a career breakthrough. The pair, who had previously reached the quarterfinals of the 2025 Korea Open, now hold a 5-2 record against top-10 teams this season. Their victory over the 12th-seeded French duo marks their first win against a European top-20 pairing.
Player Profiles and Career Trajectories
Gao Jiaxuan (born 2003) rose to prominence after winning the 2024 Asian Junior Championships. A former trainee at the Guangdong Provincial Badminton Academy, Gao is known for his exceptional net skills and tactical awareness. His partnership with Wei Yaxin, a 2023 Chinese National Champion, has been marked by complementary strengths: Gao’s precision and Wei’s tenacity.
Wei Yaxin (born 2004) made her international debut at the 2022 Denmark Open. Standing at 5’7″, Wei’s low center of gravity allows her to cover the court effectively, a trait that proved crucial against the French pair’s aggressive net play. The duo’s recent training under coach Liang Weikeng (a former Olympic medalist) has sharpened their communication and counter-attacking skills.
French Pair’s Struggles and Resilience
Despite the loss, Gicquel and Delrue demonstrated why they are ranked 11th in the world. Gicquel, 25, showcased his signature cross-court smashes, while Delrue, 24, executed several acrobatic saves. Their second-game comeback highlighted their ability to adapt under pressure, a skill that has carried them to the semifinals of the 2025 French Open.
“We’re disappointed with the result, but we’ll regroup and focus on the next match,” Delrue said post-match. “Gao and Wei played exceptionally well, especially in the third game.”
What’s Next for the Chinese Pair?
Gao and Wei will face the winners of the all-Chinese quarterfinal between Wang Yilü/Chen Qingchen and
