A former world number one himself, Ovtcharov downed China's reigning champion 4-11, 11-6, 11-8, 7-11, 11-6 to keep European hopes alive.

However, his opponent in the last four will be no pushover.

Japanese 19-year-old Tomokazu Harimoto faces Ovtcharov next after cruising past Germany's Timo Boll 11-8, 11-4, 12-10.

"I'm really happy," said Ovtcharov.

"I was on top of my game at the Olympics, but then I've had such a long injury and of course you start doubting yourself.

"To beat Fan Zhendong who has been unbelievable lately give me a lot of confidence and shows that my game is back where it belongs.

"I was honestly a bit tired after the match, and just really relieved.

"I've known Fan for a very long time and really respect him.

"I texted my wife as I’m really exciting to make it to the next round, thanking for all the support she has shown and for taking care of the kids, I couldn't be more thankful to her."

Elsewhere, world number three Truls Moregard of Sweden is heading home in defeat after falling short to China's Wang Chuqin 11-8, 11-3, 15-13, while Ma Long, also of China, survived a tight five-game contest against Chinese Taipei's Lin Yun-Ju 11-4, 7-11, 11-7, 8-11, 11-3 in the last quarter-final.

In the women's singles, China's Wang Manyu produced a masterclass to see off Japan's Mima Ito 11-4, 11-4, 11-4.

Set to battle Wang is her countrywoman Chen Meng, who extended her stay in Xinxiang with a 7-11, 11-8, 11-7, 11-6 comeback win against China's Chen Xingtong.

World number and last year’s WTT Cup Finals champion Sun Yingsha of China booked her spot in the semi-finals following an emphatic 11-6, 11-4, 11-7 victory over Japan’s Kasumi Ishikawa.

China's Wang Yidi won the other quarter-final 11-7, 11-5, 11-6 against Puerto Rico's Adriana Díaz.