On Wednesday, December 17, 2025, World No. 1 Shi Yuqi of the Chinese mainland kicked off his title defense at the BWF World Tour Finals in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province in the Chinese mainland, defeating compatriot Li Shifeng 21-13, 23-21 in a straight-games win in their group-stage opener.
The season-ending competition, held in Hangzhou since 2023, features the top eight players based on this year's World Tour standings, with a maximum of two entries per member association. Reigning Olympic and world champions also earn automatic qualification, raising the stakes for every match.
"Both of us are carrying some injuries, but we showed good form today, which is positive," said Shi, who sustained a foot injury last month during the National Games in the Chinese mainland.
Elsewhere in men's singles, Thailand's Kunlavut Vitidsarn impressed with a 21-10, 21-14 win over Indonesia's Jonatan Christie, while France's Christo Popov edged Denmark's Anders Antonsen 21-13, 12-21, 21-19. Japan's Kodai Naraoka also advanced, beating Chou Tien-chen of Chinese Taipei 21-17, 21-18.
On the women's side, Olympic gold medalist An Se-young of the Republic of Korea overcame Indonesia's Putri Kusuma Wardani 21-16, 8-21, 21-8. The 23-year-old has already claimed 10 titles in 2025 and can match the single-season record of 11 set by Japan's Kento Momota in 2019 if she lifts the trophy in Hangzhou.
Home favorite Wang Zhiyi dominated an all-Chinese clash against Han Yue, winning 21-14, 21-5. Japan's Akane Yamaguchi followed with a 21-14, 21-17 victory over Tomoka Miyazaki, and Thailand's Pornpawee Chochuwong outlasted teammate Ratchanok Intanon 21-18, 14-21, 21-10.
With group play underway, fans can expect more high-intensity showdowns as players vie for a place in the knockout rounds of badminton's most exclusive event.
Reference(s):
World No. 1 Shi Yuqi of China begins BWF World Tour Finals with win
cgtn.com
