Thailand's Khosit Phetpradab secured, arguably, the biggest win of his career when he beat world No.2 Shi Yuqi of China 21-18, 24-22 in the first round of the Japan Open in Tokyo yesterday.
The world No.26 needed 48 minutes to finish off Shi, the reigning All England champion who was runner-up at the 2018 world championships.
Khosit will next meet Mark Caljouw of the Netherlands in the last-16 round.
If he gets past the Dutchman, he is likely to face China's Chen Long in the quarter-finals.
Chen defeated Tommy Sugiarto of Indonesia 12-21, 21-17, 21-14 in the opening round.
In the last 16, the Chinese will take on Thailand's Sappanyu Avihingsanon who defeated France's Brice Leverdez 21-17, 21-19.
Kantaphon Wangcharoen, Thailand's top men's player at No.20, came close to upsetting Chinese great Lin Dan who rallied to win 16-21, 21-19, 21-10.
Former Thailand's top player Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk lost to Denmark's Ramus Gemke 21-18, 21-10.
In the women's singles, fourth seed Ratchanok Intanon received a scare before beating Japan's Minatsu Mitani 17-21, 21-9, 21-15.
Pornpawee Chochuwong also advanced to the second round after beating Scotland's Kirsty Gilmour 21-18, 21-7. The Thai will next play world champion Carolina Marin.
In the mixed doubles, Thailand's top pair Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Sapsiree Taerattanachai lost to Tan Kian Meng and Lai Pei Jing of Malaysia 21-7, 16-21, 15-21.
