Archive · 22 Aug 2026
Chou Tien Chen’s Miracle Run Reaches World Championships Semifinals
Chou Tien Chen is a 36-year-old badminton player from Chinese Taipei.
He beat the much younger Alwi Farhan in two games at the World Championships.
This win put Chou in the semifinals and guaranteed him a medal.
It also made him the oldest men’s singles player to win a medal at the event.
Chou had surgery after being diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2023.
His physiotherapist described his continued success as a miracle.
Chou says faith, careful physical preparation and help from his team support him.
He also watches videos of his matches so he can keep improving.
At 36, Chou Tien Chen defeated 21-year-old Alwi Farhan 21-15, 21-15 in the World Championships quarterfinals.
The victory secured Chou another World Championships medal and made him the oldest men’s singles medallist in the event’s history.
Chou was diagnosed with early-stage colorectal cancer in 2023, underwent surgery and later returned to win the 2024 Thailand Masters.
He credits preparation, self-analysis, team support and his Christian faith for helping him remain competitive and enjoy badminton.
Chou will face Japan’s Kodai Naraoka in the semifinals, moving two wins away from the World Championships title.
- Who
- Chou Tien Chen defeated 21-year-old Alwi Farhan in the men’s singles quarterfinals.
- What
- Chou won 21-15, 21-15 to reach the BWF World Championships semifinals and secure a medal.
- When
- The quarterfinal was played on Friday; Chou is scheduled to face Kodai Naraoka on Saturday.
- Where
- The match was held at the World Championships in New Delhi, India.
- Why
- The victory advanced Chou toward a World Championships title and continued his effort to compete at the highest level through preparation, self-analysis, team support and faith.
- Player
- Chou Tien Chen
- Age
- 36
- Quarterfinal result
- Defeated Alwi Farhan 21-15, 21-15
- Historic achievement
- Oldest men’s singles medallist in World Championships history
- Health history
- Diagnosed with early-stage colorectal cancer in 2023, followed by surgery and recovery
- Previous World Championships medal
- Bronze in 2022
- Next opponent
- Kodai Naraoka of Japan
