Shi Yuqi Stunned in Ningbo – Loh Kean Yew Claims Badminton Asia Championship Upset
Ningbo, China – World No. 1 Shi Yuqi’s bid for a title at the 2025 Badminton Asia Championships came to an abrupt end Friday after falling to a determined Loh Kean Yew of Singapore in a quarterfinal clash.
The match highlighted a dramatic shift in form, with Shi initially seizing the advantage, winning the first game 21-19. However, Loh responded forcefully, dominating the second game 21-13. The deciding set ultimately went to Loh 21-16, securing a crucial victory for the Singaporean.
Following the loss, Shi Yuqi cited physical fatigue as a contributing factor.
“Today, my body wasn’t at its best, and I couldn’t play to my strengths,”
he stated. This result marks a surprising turn of events for the reigning All England champion, who was widely expected to progress further in the tournament.
Loh Kean Yew, visibly elated, acknowledged the magnitude of the victory.
“Winning against Shi is incredibly tough, so this means a lot to me,”
he declared. This upset propels Loh into the semi-finals, where he will face Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn.
Dominance in Doubles Continues for China
Beyond the men’s singles, China showcased considerable strength across the board. Several Chinese teams secured their places in the semi-finals. Lu Guangzu and Li Shifeng combined to defeat Jonatan Christie and Kodai Naraoka, setting up a semifinal showdown against each other. The Chinese women’s doubles teams also continued their impressive form, with Liu Shengshu and Tan Ning, Zhang Shuxian and Zheng Yu, and Olympic gold medalists Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan all progressing to the semifinals.
Meanwhile, the men’s doubles saw Chen Boyang and Liu Yi advance to the last four after a victory over Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin.
Semi-Final Lineups
- Kunlavut Vitidsarn (Thailand) vs. Loh Kean Yew (Singapore)
- Lu Guangzu/Li Shifeng (China) vs. [To be determined]
- Liu Shengshu/Tan Ning (China)
- Zhang Shuxian/Zheng Yu (China)
- Chen Qingchen/Jia Yifan (China)
- Chen Boyang/Liu Yi (China)
FAQ
- When did this match take place? April 11, 2025.
- Who won the match? Loh Kean Yew defeated Shi Yuqi.
- Where did the match take place? At the Badminton Asia Championships in Ningbo, China.
Did you know? This victory is particularly significant for Loh Kean Yew, as it represents a major challenge to Shi Yuqi’s dominance in the sport.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the men’s doubles semi-final; Lu Guangzu and Li Shifeng are formidable opponents.
Reader Question: How do you think Loh Kean Yew’s victory will impact the rest of the tournament?
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