BEIJING, Sept. 21 (Xinhua) -- After 56 weeks as world No. 1, 29-year-old Chinese star shuttler Shi Yuqi was finally crowned at the World Badminton Championships in Paris on August 31, securing the men's singles title for China for the first time in a decade.
"This personal milestone is incredibly special because I have always longed for a World Championship title," Shi told Xinhua in a recent interview. "It's also an important breakthrough for the entire team and our men's singles group."
THE PARIS REDEMPTION
A year earlier, the top-seeded Shi had his Olympic gold medal dream shattered at the Porte de La Chapelle Arena when he lost to Thailand's Kunlavut Vitidsarn in the men's singles quarterfinals on August 2, 2024.
Returning to the same venue in Paris, Shi found redemption.
"I didn't feel specific emotions coming back to the arena. Having won titles here and also played poorly before, I entered the court with a mindset to adapt," he said.
Shi fought hard on his way to victory, and his resilience was well rewarded. He rallied from one set down and an 11-5 deficit in the tiebreaker to defeat host player Toma Junior Popov in the round of 16. He then saved two match points to beat Canadian underdog Brian Yang in the semifinals. In the final, he faced Kunlavut again and secured another come-from-behind 2-1 win.
"I've gone through many tough matches in my career, and that experience enables me to handle all kinds of situations on court," Shi said. "My reactions in critical moments are calmer and bolder now. I just stayed focused and gave my best every time."
A CAREER OF DRAMATIC SWINGS
Shi admitted it took time to move on after his early exit at the Paris Olympics.
"I took part in some events, but my mind wasn't on the games. I pushed myself to play as if unaffected, but mentally, it was torture," he recalled. Persistent injuries added to his frustration, and retirement rumors even surfaced.
Shi was "tortured" by the games and struggled with injuries and lackluster performances before regaining his composure.
"I realized I didn't need to stake everything on winning or losing. I need to move forward, no matter the past result," he said. "Finally, I could release the pressure."
Actually, Shi's career has been marked by dramatic ups and downs.
In 2018, he shocked the world by defeating compatriot Lin Dan in the All England Open final. Later that year, he reached the World Championship final but narrowly lost to the then-invincible Kento Momota of Japan. His coach, Sun Jun, praised his potential as "uncut jade."
However, a severe ankle injury in 2019 became a major setback. Though he returned, Shi fell in the quarterfinals of the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and the Paris Olympics in 2024, failing to recapture his earlier dominance.
Meanwhile, Shi has delivered solid performances in team events, becoming synonymous with national triumph and playing a key role in China's four consecutive Sudirman Cup victories.
"Few players experience such intense highs and lows," Shi reflected. "There were hurdles, but overcoming each one broadened my horizons."
THE PEAK OF PRECISION
This year has marked a period of sustained brilliance for Shi. With an impressive 40-4 record, he has won four prestigious Open titles before capturing the world championship.
When asked how he compares to his younger self, Shi said: "Physically, perhaps the younger version had an edge. But technically, tactically, and mentally, I now understand the game better and can manage the details more precisely."
Looking ahead to the 2024 Los Angeles Olympics, Shi remains focused and grounded: "Age is secondary. My focus is on managing my physical condition to compete at the highest level. I will take it one step at a time, with the next goals being the European circuit and the Chinese National Games." ■
