Badminton: Shida, Matsuyama reach Japan Open semis in women's doubles
Shida and Matsuyama, who on July 8 announced they will part ways after the world championships in the French capital next month, advanced at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium after coming from behind to win 19-21, 21-19, 21-18.
"I was intent on never backing off mentally," said Shida after she and her partner won three straight points from 18-18 in the decider to end a 1-hour, 26-minute encounter.
"We're getting better the more we play. It was our best match here."
Playing in their last tournament together on home soil, Matsuyama voiced her trust in her long-term partner as they reached the last four at the competition for the first time.
"I had the sense of security that if I don't make mistakes, Shida will get us points," she said. "We've finally overcome this wall. We might still be developing."
Shida, 28, plans to form a new women's doubles partnership with two-time Olympic mixed doubles bronze medalist Arisa Igarashi, while Matsuyama, 27, is considering moving into mixed doubles.
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