PETALING JAYA: China’s men’s singles shuttler Shi Yuqi (pic) is back on form after struggling since the Paris Olympics in August.
World No. 1 Yuqi played brilliantly to beat Thailand’s Olympic silver medallist and reigning world champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand 21-18, 21-8 at the Shenzen Gymnasium to book his spot in the last four of the China Masters yesterday.
Kunlavut had ended the 28-year-old’s gold medal dream in Paris by pulling off a stunning win in the quarter-finals in Paris but the latter exacted sweet revenge this time much to the delight of the passionate home fans.
Yuqi will next take on Indonesia’s world No. 6 Jonatan Christie for a place in the final.
The Chinese ace last made it into a final in the Indonesian Open in June where he captured the title.
“I did not plan anything special for this match. I just prepared the way I should,” said Yuqi.
“Maybe everyone has thought, to some extent, that he’s the opponent who made me lose in the Olympic quarter-finals but I didn’t make that as a big deal before the match.”
Meanwhile, Kunlavut was tired in the second game and believes he still has a lot to learn to become a better player.
“In the second game, I felt tired. Yuqi is very strong in attack and defence and was in control,” said Kunlavut.
“He’s a top player and the world No. 1. I have a lot to learn from him. I’m just a normal player and not a top player yet.
“My attacking game is still not good enough against the best players and I need to improve.”
Both Yuqi and Kunlavut have already booked their spots in the prestigious World Tour Finals from Dec 11-15 in Hangzhou.
