Shi Yu Qi may continue to downplay his status, but his impressive week in Hangzhou only reinforced his standing as the men’s singles world No.1.
In the aftermath of his semifinal exit at the Japan Open in August, Shi told reporters “I’m a weak world No.1”, a stance he reiterated after defeating Anders Antonsen to claim a second HSBC BWF World Tour Finals crown on Sunday.
“I still think so. Some fantastic players aren’t here, and every match is different,” said Shi, whose previous triumph came in 2018.
His words were far from reflective of the truth. After being named BWF Male Player of the Year for the first time six days earlier – following a stellar 12 months – the Chinese star had been virtually unstoppable throughout the week.
Shi did drop a game during Group B victories over Jonatan Christie and world champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn but grew stronger with each passing round. By the time he reached the semifinal and final, he was in his element, dispatching Chou Tien Chen and Anders Antonsen in straight games. In the title match against a world No.2, Shi was in unforgiving mood, never surrendering the lead he took early on in both games.
“It’s one of the most important events of the year because it features the top eight players of the season. The final was a heavyweight contest. To win it, I feel incredibly proud. Also, a second title, I’m very satisfied with my performance,” said the 28-year-old.
Shi’s form this week was a clear testament to why he usurped Viktor Axelsen in June to the top spot on the world rankings, ending the Dane’s 132-week reign.
Axelsen’s compatriot Antonsen called him the “best player in the world” post-defeat.
“Credit to Shi. I couldn’t perform my best, but a lot of that was down to him,” said the 2020 champion.
The success in Hangzhou was Shi’s fifth of the season, but the first since June’s Indonesia Open.
Make no mistake, his mini blip now behind him, Shi is poised to mount an even stronger assault on the major titles in 2025.