Shi Yuqi (Chn)
World ranking: 1
Age: 29
All-England outing: 2018 champion
Yuqi is undoubtedly one of the favourites for the title and is unstoppable on his day. The title has eluded him since he stunned teammate Lin Dan in the 2018 final and will be fired up to add another. Started the year strongly by winning the Malaysian Open and should be at his best physically after electing to compete in two tournaments so far this year.
Anders Antonsen (Den)
World ranking: 2
Age: 27
All-England outing: Semi-finals
One of the best players in the men’s singles last year, reaching a whopping seven finals in the World Tour and capturing the Malaysian Open, Denmark Open, China Masters and Indonesian Masters titles. Started the year well by finishing runners-up to Yuqi in the Malaysian Open. Has never reached the final in the All-England and will be out to rectify this.
Jonatan Christie (Ina)
World ranking: 3
Age: 27
All-England outing: 2024 champion
Jonatan memorably beat teammate Anthony Ginting to win one of his biggest titles last year and will be keen to defend his crown. Has been consistent lately, reaching at least the semi-finals in five of his last six tournaments. Finished as the runners-up to Thai world champion Kunlavut at home in the Indonesian Masters. One of the best players in the world on his day.
Viktor Axelsen (Den)
World ranking: 4
Age: 31
Best achievement in the tournament: 2020 and 2022 champion
Axelsen is the most successful player having won twice here and finishing runners-up (2019, 2021). He is not dominating the World Tour like he used to with injuries hampering him but proved his strong mentality by defending his gold in the 2024 Paris Olympics. He last won a Super 1000 title in China in 2023. Can’t be ruled out due to his strong record in the big events.
Kunlavut Vitidsarn
Country: Thailand
World ranking: 5
Age: 23
All-England outing: Early round exits
The reigning world champion and Olympic silver medallist does not have a good record in the tournament but hopes to do better this time. Kunlavut dreams of adding the prestigious title to his list of achievements and has the talent to go all the way. Has the opportunity to create history by becoming the first Thai to triumph in the All-England.
