Shi Yuqi wins asia title

In the men’s singles final at the Badminton Asia Championships, Shi Yuqi defeated India’s Ayush Shetty 2–0 to claim his first-ever Asian Championships men’s singles crown. The victory also put China back on the top step of the men’s singles podium for the first time in nine years.

The final featured 30-year-old world champion Shi Yuqi against Shetty, who is nine years younger. After beating Chou Tien-chen in the semifinals, Shi spoke emotionally about the value of longevity in the sport: “He’s the oldest player in men’s singles right now. Athletes all rely on their youth, and for him to stay among the world’s best for so long is really not easy. It’s also a motivation for me.”

Ranked No. 25 in the world, Shetty had made a statement in the first round by knocking out fifth seed Li Shifeng. But against Shi, he came up short. Shi settled in quickly in the opening game and cruised to a 21–8 win. Shetty tried to fight back early in the second and briefly held the lead, but Shi offered no further openings, taking it 21–10 to seal a straight-games victory, 2–0. It was also Shi’s win in their third career meeting and earned him his first Asian Championships gold medal.

With Shi’s title secured, China finished its Badminton Asia Championships campaign with two gold medals—women’s doubles and men’s singles. Next, the Chinese team will turn its focus to final preparations for the Thomas & Uber Cup in Denmark, scheduled for April 24 to May 3.