[Saba Sports News] Thirty-six-year-old Chinese Taipei shuttler CHOU Tien-Chen staged a three-game comeback against France’s Tom Junior Popov in the men’s singles final of the 2026 China Badminton Open on July 26 to claim the title at this Super 1000 tournament.
This triumph not only established a new record for the oldest men’s singles champion in Super 1000 history, but also carved out a new chapter for Chinese Taipei men’s singles badminton. Since stepping onto the international professional circuit in 2006, Chou Tien-Chen has competed against nine different world men’s singles No.1s. Today, six of those legendary greats who once dominated badminton have retired from competition. Only the 36-plus-year-old Chou remains in elite form, consistently contending for titles at the highest-tier tours — a level of perseverance that stands as a legend within professional badminton. The six top rivals who turned pro alongside Chou all enjoyed dominant spells in their careers, yet each opted to retire in their early 30s. None have managed to stand on the podium of a Super 1000 tournament at age 36 like Chou.
Chou drew a tough path at this China Badminton Open and faced gruelling matches from start to finish. In the quarterfinals, he overturned reigning world No.1 Shi Yuqi, overcoming a long-standing head-to-head hoodoo. Faced with the explosive young talent Popov in the final, he suffered a lopsided defeat in the second game but swiftly adjusted his tactics. Taking control of the match with precise lifts and pushes, solid defence and effective attacking, he completed the comeback drawing on his wealth of tournament experience.
Securing a Super 1000 title at the age of 36, Chou Tien-Chen has defied the age limits for badminton players through relentless self-discipline and undying passion. While the six contemporaries of his generation have all hung up their rackets, Chou soldiers on, crafting an ageless legend for veteran athletes worthy of admiration from fans worldwide.