Shi Yuqi: Long Absence from Competition Brings Many Difficulties; Became Impatient After Leading in Decisive Game

Jayce September 6, 2024 1 0

In a match against Indonesia’s top player Anthony Ginting, Shi Yuqi lost the first game but managed to level the score in the second. However, he couldn’t maintain his 18-15 lead in the decisive game and eventually lost 1-2, thus being eliminated from the World Championships and ending his comeback journey.

2022 BWF World Championships | Live Stream

Shi Yuqi was internally suspended by the Chinese Badminton Association after last year’s Thomas Cup semifinals and only returned to the court for this World Championships, showing that he still has a lot of room for improvement in his condition. After winning the first two rounds relatively smoothly, Shi Yuqi faced a challenge from Indonesian star Ginting in the round of 16.

Although he had won all six previous encounters with Ginting, the most recent being in 2019 before his major injury, this close contest saw Shi Yuqi struggling to find his rhythm in the first game, which he lost with only 11 points. His performance significantly improved in the second game, where he responded with a 21-13 win to tie the match.

In the decisive game, Shi Yuqi fell behind in the first half but managed to rally and take an 18-15 lead. However, he couldn’t hold on and allowed Ginting to score six consecutive points to win the game 21-18, ultimately losing the match 1-2.

After the match, Shi Yuqi commented on his performance: “I feel that having not played in competitions for a long time brought many difficulties. I was always trying hard, and from the second game onwards, there were some turning points. Overall, my opponent was much faster, but I tried to adapt. When I was leading in the decisive game, I became a bit impatient, which led to consecutive points lost.”

Indeed, in the decisive game, Shi Yuqi had a remarkable comeback, briefly offering hope for a victory. “At that time, I just told myself to run faster, think simpler, not overthink, focus on the process, and try to score point by point,” he explained.

Failing to reach the quarterfinals meant an early end to Shi Yuqi’s journey in this World Championships. Reflecting on his comeback, he acknowledged that there’s much to review: “I need to thoroughly analyze the reasons for this loss, from winning the first two matches to losing this one. How my condition changed from bad to gradually improving.”

After the World Championships, Shi Yuqi will continue with the national team to compete in the Japan Open. As for his future competition plans, it will depend on the overall arrangements of the Chinese team.