Badminton Championships: Akane Yamaguchi Wins Third Title, Shi Yuqi Claims First

Last Updated:August 31, 2025, 23:46 IST

Akane Yamaguchi claimed her third world title and Shi Yuqi won his first as they triumphed in the Badminton World Championships singles finals in Paris.

Shi Yuqi (Picture credit: AFP)

Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi achieved her third world title while China’s Shi Yuqi secured his first as they won the women’s and men’s singles finals at the Badminton World Championships in Paris on Sunday.

Shi, the 29-year-old top seed and 2018 runner-up, defeated defending champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand with scores of 19-21, 21-10, 21-18 in a tense final that lasted one hour and 17 minutes. Shi equalized the match with a commanding second game before narrowly winning the thrilling decider.

Shi was leading 17-10 in the third game, but Vitidsarn closed the gap to 19-18. Shi then extended his lead to 20-18, and Vitidsarn’s next shot went long, allowing Shi, who has won his last 10 finals consecutively, to clinch the match 21-18.

Yamaguchi, 28, who previously triumphed in 2021 and 2022, comfortably defeated China’s Chen Yufei 21-9, 21-13 in 37 minutes to become only the second woman after Spain’s Carolina Marin to win three world singles titles.

Chen, 27, earned her fifth medal at the championships, adding a second silver to her three bronze medals.

Playing with heavy strapping on her right ankle due to an injury sustained during her semi-final win over Olympic champion An Seyoung, Chen struggled to match Yamaguchi’s speed and accuracy.

Yamaguchi quickly built an 11-4 lead in the first game and maintained her dominance. Despite Chen’s early 6-4 lead in the second game, she couldn’t keep up the pressure, allowing Yamaguchi to regain control and establish a decisive 16-10 advantage before securing victory in 37 minutes.

(With Reuters inputs)

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First Published:

August 31, 2025, 23:46 IST

News sports Badminton Championships: Akane Yamaguchi Wins Third Title, Shi Yuqi Claims First

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