PETALING JAYA: A year ago, Chinese shuttler Shi Yuqi looked lost as he was blown away by Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn in the Paris Olympics men’s singles quarter-finals.
On Sunday, it was redemption for Yuqi when he fought hard to beat Kunlavut 19-21, 21-10, 21-18 in a gripping final in the World Championships in the same venue – the Adidas Arena in Port de la Chapelle Paris.
The 29-year-old looked a far different player than the one who lost tamely to the Thai and refused to throw in the towel after losing the first game despite leading 18-12.
Yuqi came out firing to take the next two games and end his long wait for his first world title.
The world No. 1 also became China’s first men’s singles world champion in 10 years after Chen Long last triumphed in 2015.
Yuqi could not hold back tears after a tough journey back to the top.
He was initially struggling mentally following the loss in the Olympics before slowly getting back to his best.
“I’m still processing this win. I usually perform better in World Tour competitions, so this is very meaningful for me,” Yuqi told the Badminton World Federation (BWF).
“I tried to treat every single match like a normal game. Of course today (Sunday) was the final and it was different.
“I was more excited and emotional during the game but I tried to control myself and remain calm.
“I adapted better in the second and third games after losing the first. I managed to cope well in a fast-paced match,” added Yuqi.
Meanwhile, despite the defeat, it was still a fine achievement for Kunlavut, who reached his second consecutive world meet final after capturing the gold in the last edition in 2023.
In the men’s doubles, Seo Seung-jae claimed his third world crown after combining brilliantly with Kim Won-ho in the men’s doubles to beat China’s Chen Boyang-Liu Yi 21-17, 21-12.
Seung-jae had won the title with Kang Min-hyuk in the last edition in 2023 in Copenhagen and also triumphed in the mixed doubles with Chae Yu-jung.
Seung-jae-Won-ho, who are currently world No. 1, cemented their status as the best men’s pair in the world this year.
