PETALING JAYA: The pressure is mounting on China’s men’s singles camp after world No. 4 Li Shifeng (pic) became an early casualty in the first round of the World Championships in Paris on Monday.
Shifeng was stunned by little-known Japanese shuttler Yushi Tanaka, bowing out 21-19, 11-21, 15-21.
That leaves the hopes of the badminton powerhouse resting on three other players, led by top seed Shi Yuqi, along with Weng Hongyang and Lu Guangzu.
Yuqi is well aware of the responsibility he and his teammates carry in trying to reclaim the title, especially since China’s last men’s singles world champion was Chen Long in Jakarta back in 2015.
Yuqi himself has endured several near misses at the world meet, with his best result being a runner-up finish in 2018 in Nanjing when he lost to Japan’s Kento Momota.
The 28-year-old overcame his opening hurdle in Paris after surviving a stiff challenge from India’s Lakshya Sen, the 2021 bronze medallist, with a hard-fought 21-17, 21-19 win.
“I think it’s important to approach this tournament with a calm mindset. Of course, it’s a very important competition for everyone. For me, I also hope to win the title, but I will take it one match at a time,” said Yuqi in his post-match interview with the Badminton World Federation (BWF).
Guangzu also endured a testing opener against Singapore’s Jason Teh, who pushed him into a decider. The 11th seed admitted Shifeng’s earlier defeat added to the pressure before he even stepped on court.
The 27-year-old, however, dug deep to prevail 16-21, 22-20, 21-14.
“At first it was really tough, but I tried to adapt. I dropped a few points, but I told myself there was still a chance to catch up, and I managed to do it point by point.
“I think it’s down to my preparation before the match, and my coach kept reminding me not to dwell too much on the score.
“This match is a wake-up call for me. I’ll try to be more alert right from the start in the next round,” said Guangzu.
But it was smooth sailing for Hongyang, who brushed aside Australia’s Jack Yu 21-7, 21-12. He will face his first real test in the second round today against Taiwan’s Lee Chiao-hao.
Yuqi is expected to have little trouble against Belgium’s Julien Carraggi, while Guangzu will take on Canada’s Victor Lai.
