Shi Yuqi: Striving to Regain Best Form and Longing for Competition

Jayce September 6, 2024 2 0

On October 11th, the Badminton World Federation reported that being away from the court for a year could be seen as a hindrance or an opportunity for players. Chinese player Shi Yuqi discovered his progress at the Japan Open in August this year after a 10-month absence from international competitions.

The 26-year-old athlete expressed his determination to perform well in every match after a tough first-round match against Viktor Axelsen at the 2022 Japan Open.

“I came to Japan to rediscover that feeling on the court, and I miss the sensation of competition. I’m glad to be able to participate in matches.”

“Facing Viktor Axelsen, I had to work hard, but I feel my form is returning. I want to learn from other players. Conditions on the court vary. Tokyo’s courts are fast, while Osaka’s are slower. So I’ve been adjusting my gameplay.”

Since reaching the semifinals of a Super 750 event for the first time at the 2018 French Open, Shi Yuqi has proven his strength by defeating players like Anders Antonsen and Wang Tzu-wei.

Next, he encountered his toughest opponent in Osaka—fourth seed Chou Tien-chen.

From the outset, Shi Yuqi controlled the game, leading 16-10 in the first game against the slender Taiwanese player, eventually winning 21-15. Despite finding a playing style that suits him and delivering high-quality rallies, victory did not belong to the former world number two. After a hard-fought battle lasting 72 minutes and full three games, he was defeated by his opponent.

Shi Yuqi acknowledged the “lessons learned from the match and areas needing continuous improvement.” “I’m a bit disappointed with the loss,” he said. “I just want to recover quickly and prepare for the European competitions.”

Shi Yuqi is set to participate in the 2022 Denmark Open, where he will face second-ranked Viktor Axelsen for the fifth time. Shi Yuqi currently leads with three wins to two losses against Axelsen.