SHAH ALAM, April 9 — A stiff challenge awaits Datuk Lee Chong Wei and Chan Peng Soon/Goh Liu Ying in the semifinals of the Malaysia Open Badminton Championship at Malawati Stadium here today.

Chong Wei will meet Jan O Jorgensen of Denmark in the singles while Peng Soon/Goh Liu Ying will face top pair Zhang Nan/Zhao Yunlei of China in the mixed doubles.

In the quarterfinals, Chong Wei breezed past Viktor Axelsen of Denmark, 21-14, 21-13, putting him in sight of his 11th Malaysia Open title.

The world number four player won the Malaysia Open in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2008-2014.

Jorgensen last night, with vanquished Lin Dan in the background.

Jorgensen upset Lin Dan of China 21-17, 21-4.

Jorgensen had beaten Chong Wei only once, in the China Open Super Series in 2009. They last met in the China Open in 2015.

“Jorgensen is among the best players in the world,” said Chong Wei. “I am not surprised by his win over Lin Dan. I expect a stiff contest tomorrow (today).

“Being at home gives me the boost to play better. After losing two tournaments, I have found my rhythm.”

Peng Soon/Liu Ying beat Puavaranukroh Dechapol/Sapsiree Taerattanachai of Thailand 21-18, 20-22, 21-17.

Zhang Nan/Zhao Yun Lei beat Danny Bawa Chrisnanta/Vanessa Neo Yu Yan of Singapore 21-15, 21-12.

World number one Chen Long will face fast-improving Jonatan Christie of Indonesia in the other men’s semifinal.

Defending champion Chen Long beat countryman Tian Houwei 21-16, 21-16. — Bernama