China’s World No. 1 Shi Yuqi kicked off his BWF World Championships campaign in Paris with a commanding straight-game win over India’s Lakshya Sen, 21-17, 21-19. Fresh from title wins at the China Open, Japan Open and All England Open this season, Shi raced to a 14-11 lead in the opening game, showcasing his trademark power and precision.
Sen—who finished third at the 2021 World Championships—fought back to close the gap, pulling within one point early on. But Shi’s blistering smashes and quick-fire forehands proved decisive, as he wrapped up the opener before turning up the intensity in the second.
Shi’s deepest run at this event remains a runner-up finish in 2018 on home soil in Nanjing. With his quest for a maiden world title still alive, the 29-year-old stayed calm when controversy struck at 19-18 in game two. A shuttle bounce call went against him, and despite a challenge, the umpire stood by the decision. Shi refocused immediately, sealing the match with a final smash.
Fellow Chinese mainland stars Lu Guang and Chen Yufei also advanced to the second round, underlining China’s formidable lineup in Paris. As fans around the globe tune in, all eyes will be on Shi as he chases his first world crown.
Reference(s):
China's Shi, Lu, Chen reach second round at BWF World Championships
cgtn.com
