Tianjin: After 56 weeks as world No. 1, 29-year-old Chinese star shuttler Shi Yuqi was finally crowned at the World Badminton Championships in Paris on August 31, securing the men's singles title for China for the first time in a decade.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Shi described the victory as a significant personal milestone and an important breakthrough for his entire team and the men's singles group. "This personal milestone is incredibly special because I have always longed for a World Championship title," Shi expressed in a recent interview with Xinhua.
A year earlier, Shi's Olympic dreams were dashed at the same venue when he lost to Thailand's Kunlavut Vitidsarn in the men's singles quarterfinals. However, Shi found redemption this year in Paris, returning to the venue with a fresh mindset and determination. He fought through tough matches, showcasing remarkable resilience. Shi's journey to victory included a comeback win against host player Toma Junior Popov and overcoming match points against Canadian Brian Yang in the semifinals. In the final, he faced Kunlavut once again, securing a 2-1 victory.
Shi's career has been one of dramatic swings, marked by both triumphs and setbacks. He recalled the mental struggles following his early exit at the Paris Olympics and the persistent injuries that fueled retirement rumors. Despite these challenges, Shi has consistently delivered strong performances in team events, contributing to China's success in the Sudirman Cup.
This year, Shi has achieved sustained brilliance, boasting an impressive 40-4 record and winning four prestigious Open titles before capturing the world championship. Reflecting on his growth, Shi believes that while his younger self had physical advantages, his current technical, tactical, and mental understanding of the game has improved.
Looking forward, Shi remains focused on the future, specifically the 2024 Los Angeles Olympics. He plans to manage his physical condition to compete at the highest level, with upcoming goals including the European circuit and the Chinese National Games.