China's Shi Yuqi etched his name in badminton history Sunday, defeating Thailand's Kunlavut Vitidsarn 19-21, 21-10, 21-18 to claim his first BWF World Championships men's singles crown. The 90-minute marathon match saw both athletes push physical and mental limits at Paris' Accor Arena.
A Battle of Resilience
Vitidsarn appeared poised to defend his 2023 title after dominating early exchanges, but Shi's tactical adjustments turned the tide. The Chinese shuttler's explosive net play and precision smashes neutralized Vitidsarn's defensive prowess in the decisive third game, avenging his 2023 Olympic quarterfinal loss to the Thai star.
Historic Context and Personal Redemption
"This gold completes my collection," an emotional Shi told reporters. "People see me as a team event player, but I've worked tirelessly to prove myself in singles." The victory marks China's first men's singles world title since 2018, revitalizing hopes for the nation's badminton program ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
In women's singles, Japan's Akane Yamaguchi cemented her legacy with a dominant 21-9, 21-13 win over China's Chen Yufei. The 37-minute masterclass made Yamaguchi only the second woman to secure three world singles titles.
