Rachel/Febi reach quarterfinal after Japan’s No. 2 seed withdraws

Indonesian women’s doubles pair Rachel Allessya Rose/Febi Setianingrum advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2026 BWF World Championships in New Delhi, India, after second-seeded Yuki Fukushima/Mayu Matsumoto of Japan withdrew in the round of 16 on Thursday. Rachel/Febi took the first game 21-9, then trailed 6-11 in the second game when the match was stopped. The result marked the first time they have reached the world championships’ last eight. Rachel said advancing because of an opponent’s retirement was not the outcome they wanted, and hoped the Japanese pair’s condition was not serious. In the quarterfinals, the No. 12 seeds will face China’s Li Yijing/Luo Xumin, who beat Taiwan’s Ya Ching Hsu/Yu-Hsuan Sung 21-13, 21-15.