Jason Gunawan produced the biggest result of his badminton career on Saturday afternoon, coming from a game down to defeat Danish star Anders Antonsen and reach the final of the China Masters.

The Hong Kong youngster completed a stunning 15-21, 22-20, 21-16 comeback against the tournament favourite, earning his place in the final of the BWF Super 750 event.

Antonsen was expected to secure a place in Sunday’s showpiece, but the Dane struggled to maintain his advantage after taking the opening game. Gunawan remained composed throughout the deciding stages and capitalised on several costly errors from his more experienced opponent.

The result means there will be no Danish representation in the men’s singles final, while the title match will instead be an all-Hong Kong affair.

Gunawan will meet compatriot Lee Cheuk Yiu in the final, setting up a surprise meeting between the world No. 32 and world No. 25.

For 22-year-old Gunawan, the run represents a breakthrough moment in what has already been an impressive tournament. He repeatedly took advantage whenever Antonsen lost his rhythm and showed impressive composure under pressure.

Antonsen Takes Control in Opening Game

The match initially appeared to be following the expected script.

Gunawan made a bright start and immediately showcased the powerful smashes that have helped him make an impact at the China Masters. However, Antonsen soon found a tactical solution.

The Dane moved further forward on court, allowing him to reach the net more quickly while reducing the number of lifts Gunawan was able to attack.

After falling 1-6 behind, Antonsen turned the momentum around and moved 11-8 ahead. Gunawan responded strongly, fighting back to level the score at 14-14.

However, the experienced Dane then produced a decisive six-point run to take control of the game and eventually claim it 21-15.

Gunawan Fights Back

The second game saw Gunawan regain the initiative.

The Hong Kong player raced into a 9-4 lead after putting together a seven-point streak, leaving Antonsen searching for answers. The Dane struggled to find his earlier consistency and began making a series of unforced errors.

Antonsen did manage to fight his way back into the contest. After trailing for much of the game, he finally drew level at 19-19 and looked poised to force a dramatic finish.

But Gunawan held his nerve.

After saving a game point, the Hong Kong star secured the points he needed to win 22-20 and force a deciding game.

Gunawan Holds His Nerve

With momentum firmly on his side, Gunawan started the deciding game with confidence.

The 22-year-old established another useful advantage and refused to panic whenever Antonsen threatened to put together a run of his own.

The Dane had a crucial opportunity to level the deciding game at 17-17, but a poor decision at the net handed Gunawan another opening. Antonsen reacted by slamming his racket into the floor in frustration.

That moment proved decisive.

Gunawan maintained his composure through the closing stages, eventually completing the comeback with a 21-16 victory in the deciding game.

The triumph sends him into the China Masters final for the biggest match of his career, where he will face fellow Hong Kong representative Lee Cheuk Yiu in an unexpected all-Hong Kong showdown.

For Antonsen, meanwhile, a tournament that promised another deep run ended in a frustrating semifinal defeat after he was unable to turn his early advantage into victory.