Paris, France : After a decade-long wait, China has triumphed again in men’s singles badminton at the World Championships, thanks to Shi Yuqi’s captivating victory in Paris. Shi, the world number one and a seasoned contender, clinched his maiden individual world title with a hard-fought 19-21, 21-10, 21-18 win over Thailand’s defending champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn. The final, held at the famed Adidas Arena, showcased Shi’s resilience and strategic mastery, marking a significant milestone in his career and for Chinese badminton after a 10-year title drought in men’s singles.
Shi’s journey to gold was anything but easy. The 29-year-old faced relentless pressure after dropping the first game against Vitidsarn, who demonstrated dogged determination, erasing a seven-point deficit to close out the opening set. Yet, Shi regrouped with a positive mindset and gave “120 percent,” focusing solely on victory rather than the fear of defeat. This approach paid off handsomely as he dominated the second game and battled fiercely to secure the decider with exquisite shot placement and fewer unforced errors. “Every match at this World Championships was tough,” Shi remarked, emphasizing the mental strength required to overcome world-class opponents.
Notably, Shi had earlier showcased his grit by saving two match points in the semi-final against Canada’s unseeded Victor Lai, who made history as his country’s first-ever badminton world medallist. Shi’s win in Paris also underpins a stellar year in which he dominated the World Tour Super 1000 circuit, winning all nine finals he contested since early 2024.
His victory signals a resurgence for Chinese men’s singles on the global stage, inspiring a new generation while maintaining China’s legacy in badminton history. Commenting on his win, Shi said, “I was often seen as a team event player, so winning my first individual title is immensely fulfilling. It’s a proud moment not just for me, but for all Chinese badminton fans who have waited long for this.” Among other highlights at the championships, China secured two titles in total, including women’s doubles, underscoring their continued influence in the sport.
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