China's top-seeded badminton star Shi Yuqi displayed composure and resilience on Thursday, securing a decisive 21-11, 21-19 victory over Chou Tien-chen of Chinese Taipei in the All England Open Badminton Championships. The win propels him to the men's singles quarterfinals in Birmingham, setting up a thrilling clash against Singapore’s Loh Kean Yew.
Shi dominated the first game and surged ahead in the second with a 14-8 lead. However, veteran Chou, 35, staged a late comeback, narrowing the gap to 20-19. Shi’s composed response—sealing the match with a powerful forehand smash—kept his title hopes alive.
The tournament saw another major upset as India’s Lakshya Sen stunned defending champion Jonatan Christie of Indonesia with a swift 21-13, 21-10 victory. Sen will next face China’s Li Shifeng, who avenged his 2023 loss to France’s Toma Junior Popov with a dramatic three-game triumph (21-18, 17-21, 21-15).
With Asian athletes dominating the quarterfinal lineup, the event highlights the region’s growing influence in global badminton, offering insights for sports enthusiasts and analysts tracking rising talents.
