China's badminton stars Shi Yuqi and Chen Yufei delivered electrifying performances at the BWF World Championships in Paris, securing their spots in the semifinals amid high-stakes matches that captivated global audiences.
Top-seeded Shi Yuqi staged a dramatic comeback in the men's singles quarterfinals against compatriot Weng Hongyang. After dropping the second game 7-21, Shi rallied in the decider with a dominant 10-0 start, ultimately sealing victory 21-15, 7-21, 21-10. The world No. 1's relentless smashes and tactical precision underscored his reputation as a title favorite.
Shi now faces Canada's Victor Lai, who stunned fans by defeating South Korea's Loh Kean Yew. Meanwhile, women's singles star Chen Yufei advanced smoothly, reinforcing China's stronghold in the tournament.
The championships highlight Asia's growing influence in global badminton, with players from the region claiming 14 of 20 semifinal slots. Analysts note rising investment in sports infrastructure across Asia as a key driver of this success.
