Shi Yuqi overcame a stiff challenge from Hong Kong's Lee Cheuk Yiu to clinch his second India Open badminton title on Jan 21 and then warned top-ranked Viktor Axelsen that he is coming for the Dane's throne.
The 27-year-old Chinese player, ranked second in the world, battled for 54 minutes to win the final 23-21, 21-17 and add to his 2018 title in New Delhi.
Shi, who was appearing in his second final in eight days after finishing runner-up in Malaysia, remained on top of his baseline play and smashes against his relentless opponent.
After a hard-fought first game, Shi was tested again in the second when Lee took 10 straight points after trailing 6-14, but the Chinese kept his nerve.
"In the second game, despite several contentious calls, Lee Cheuk Yiu went ahead. But I was patient and ultimately came through to win," said Shi.
"This victory is immensely significant in my career, given the prestigious nature of this tournament...
This story is from the January 22, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
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This story is from the January 22, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
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