Badminton World Championships 2025: China’s Top Players Drawn into Brutal Internal Brackets

The draw for the 2025 Badminton World Championships has set up a stern test for China’s men’s singles contingent, with all four top players — Shi Yu Qi, Li Shi Feng, Lu Guang Zu, and Weng Hong Yang — facing off against each other from the get-go.

Shi Yu Qi’s Tough Path

To kick things off, top seed Shi Yu Qi must battle India’s Lakshya Sen in the opening round.

Should Shi survive Sen, he’ll likely encounter France’s Christo Popov or Hong Kong’s Ng Ka Long in the Round of 16. And adding to the woes, his own teammate Weng Hong Yang could be waiting in the quarter-finals.

Li Shi Feng’s Nightmare Path

Things don’t get any easier for Li Shi Feng, who opens against Japan’s Yushi Tanaka.

Assuming victory, Li could meet Malaysia’s former world top five, Lee Zii Jia, in the Round of 32, followed by another Chinese compatriot, Lu Guang Zu, in the next round. It’s a test of consistency and mental fortitude for Li.

Men’s Doubles: A Mixed Bag for China

In men’s doubles, Chen Bo Yang/Liu Yi and Liang Wei Keng/Wang Chang have landed in the bottom half, but face potential powerhouses like Malaysia’s Aaron Chia/Soh Wooi Yik. If China wants a spot in the final, they’ll have to bring their A-game.

Women’s Doubles: China Bunched at the Top

China’s top women’s doubles pairs — Liu Sheng Shu/Tan Ning, Jia Yi Fan/Zhang Shu Xian, and Li Yi Jing/Luo Xu Min — have been drawn into the top half, guaranteeing internal battles as early as the quarterfinals.

Women’s Singles: Slightly Smoother Path

The women’s singles draw offers a bit more respite. Chen Yu Fei is alone in the top half, while Wang Zhi Yi, Han Yue, and Gao Fang Jie are spaced out across the bottom. However, badminton’s unpredictability ensures no path is easy.

Mixed Doubles: China’s Best Chance at Gold

Finally, some relief — mixed doubles looks promising for China. With four pairs well-distributed across both halves, they could pose a serious threat for the gold.

Conclusion

Until then, the toughest opponents they’ll face — might just be the ones in their own locker room.

China’s badminton squad enters the 2025 World Championships with depth and internal challenges. If they can survive each other, they may dominate the podium. But until then, the real battle begins at home.