Shi Yuqi ousts Vitidsarn to advance to semifinals at BWF China Masters

In a much-anticipated quarterfinal clash at the BWF China Masters in Shenzhen, top seed Shi Yuqi from China exacted a measure of Olympic revenge on Friday by eliminating Thailand's Kunlavut Vitidsarn, the silver medalist from the Paris 2024.

After being knocked out by Vitidsarn in the last eight at the Summer Games in the French capital, the Chinese shuttler put in a determined performance in front of a raucous home crowd, taking the opening game 21-18 after his Thai opponent's shot hit the net.

In the second set, Shi surged ahead by grabbing an impressive 11-2 lead, before closing out the match by taking the last five points, ultimately prevailing 21-8. He celebrated his win by cupping his ears and soaking in the cheers from the fans.

"I knew I had to play differently this time. Adjusting my style to match my opponent's strengths was key. If I had followed his rhythm, it would have given him the advantage, so I focused on being patient and waiting for the right moments to seize control of the match," said Shi.