Yuqi nails a first
The weight of expectation was heavy on world No. 1 Shi Yuqi, who had been chasing the elusive world title for years. The Chinese ace had faltered at the same Paris venue during the Olympics as the top seed. This time Yuqi beat defending champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand in a gripping final. The triumph was all the sweeter as it came against the very man who had shattered his Olympic dream in the last eight in 2024.
Canada’s victorious Lai
Not many had heard of Victor Lai before the world meet, but he announced himself in style by reaching the semi-finals – a first for Canada. The world No. 50 stunned Lu Guangzu (Chn), Jeon Hyeok-jin (Kor) and Loh Kean Yew (Sin) before losing to Shi Yuqi in a tight battle. What makes his run more remarkable is that he is only 20 and a part-time player, juggling badminton with kinesiology studies at York University in Toronto.
French home delight
Hosts were in frenzy when mixed doubles pair Thom Gicquel-Delphine Delrue secured at least a bronze medal, France’s first-ever at the tournament since its inception in 1977, after reaching the semis. They lost to Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei next but the country’s first medal was meaningful.
Magical show
Not one but two finals and one world title – that’s simply unprecedented. Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei captured the historic mixed doubles title while Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah became the first women’s pair from the country to win a silver. Both had strong China opponents but they were hardly overawed, giving them a worthy fight.
Putri saves the day
Putri Kusuma, 23, saved the day for Indonesia by winning bronze by beating 2019 world champion P. V. Sindhu of India in the last eight. She fell in the semis to eventual champion Akane Yamaguchi of Japan. The badminton powerhouse had hoped for medals from the men doubles but world No. 4 Fajar Alfian-Rian Ardianto (No. 4), Sabar Gutama-Moh Reza (No. 8) and Leo Rolly-Bagas Maulana (No. 10) had all failed to clear early rounds.
Tale of tears
Paris Olympic Games champion An Se-young of South Korea broke down after her semi-finals defeat to China’s Chen Yufei, which ended her title defence hopes. But in a twist of fate, Yufei too was left tears a day later when a leg injury hampered her in the final, paving the way for Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi to triumph.
