“Today was our day,” were the words spoken with swagger by Jayci Simon after she and Miles Krajewski won their SH6 mixed doubles quarterfinal against second seeds Sivarajan Solaimalai/Nithya Sre Sumathy Sivan at the NSDF Royal Beach Cliff BWF Para Badminton World Championships 2024.

Winning 15-21 21-16 21-17, the tandem secured their first berth in a semifinal of a World Championships as a pair. Krajewski’s silver in 2022 came in men’s doubles alongside Brazilian Vitor Tavares.

“I like to keep control of the net,” said Simon, referring to the deceptive drop shots she played. “I like to play a lot of downward shots and that put a lot of pressure on them, so they’d lift and I’d have Miles cover me.

“This match was anyone’s game. I’m happy about a semifinal spot and it’s important we went into the match with a good attitude.”

Krajeswski concurred: “We knew we needed to be positive. We are happy to have secured a medal, that was the goal. At least we got a bronze to take home. That means a lot (but) who knows if it will be gold or silver.”

The Americans play Lin Naili/Li Fengmei for their third encounter in the next round. The Chinese lead the head-to-head 2-0.

Also through to his first semifinal is Sooyoung Yu, who denied Chan Ho Yuen Daniel a chance to medal at his last World Championships, with a 13-21 21-16 21-10 win over the WH2 men’s singles Paralympic bronze medallist.

“What a feeling,” remarked Yu after a 78-minute battle. “It was a tough and long match. I want to eat some tasty food. I brought Korean food and that’s how I recover from these matches. Along with a lot of sleep.”

Yu represents the emergence of a new era for Korean wheelchair shuttlers with his speed and stamina. He has been in touching distance of a crown at four events in men’s singles but hasn’t been able to get his hands on the top prize.

“I’m thinking of gold. I’m dreaming of it. I want it. I’ve been working hard.”

Yu will meet teammate Kim Jung Jun in the next round.

→ Results (Day 4)

→ Order of Play (Day 5)

WHAT OTHERS SAID:

“Coombs is a great player and one I’ve been following for years. I owe him huge respect for that match. The crowd and atmosphere got me through.” – Charles Noakes on his first semifinal spot at a World Championship after outlasting Krysten Coombs 21-13 20-22 21-13

“It was my first time playing her and I was so excited. When I had the lead in the second game, I was trying not to get too far ahead in my mind. I need to keep calm for the next round.” – Zuxian Xiao after defeating reigning SL3 women’s singles champion Oksana Kozyna 21-9 21-18

“We are good friends off court, but we probably won’t speak before the match. I know I’ll need to be faster and counter her attack.” – Maud Lefort on what she must do to beat Manisha Ramadass in the SU5 women’s singles semifinal