Chinese shuttlers Shi Yuqi, Lu Guangzu, and Chen Yufei stormed into the second round of the BWF World Championships in Paris on Monday, with world No. 1 Shi delivering a commanding performance against India's Lakshya Sen. The trio's strong start underscores China's dominance in global badminton as the tournament heats up.
Shi, fresh off victories at the China Open, Japan Open, and All England Open this season, showcased his signature power and precision during the 21-17, 21-19 win. The 29-year-old navigated a tense second game where Sen narrowed the gap to 19-18, but Shi's composure under pressure sealed his advancement. "Every match here is about staying focused," Shi later told reporters, emphasizing his pursuit of a first World Championships title after finishing runner-up in 2018.
Lu and Chen also secured their spots with decisive wins, though details of their matches remain undisclosed. The championships mark a critical opportunity for China to strengthen its position ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics.
With over 400 athletes from 45 countries and regions competing, the event highlights Asia's outsized influence in the sport. Badminton enthusiasts worldwide are tracking whether Shi can maintain his momentum against Denmark's Viktor Axelsen, his likely quarterfinal opponent.
