For more on today's title match in the men's singles at the badminton World Championships, Mike Fox takes a closer look at the two finalists. Both players are going for a first world title, but for China's Shi, it's a chance to establish himself as the PRC's best in the sport after defeating 5-time winner Lin Dan and reigning Olympic champion Chen Long in the previous rounds.

This is Shi Yuqi's second world champion campaign. In the semis, the 22-year-old was able to fight off the attacking process of Chen Long. The 2-times World Champion has high praise for his victor after the contest and now Shi has a real chance of becoming China's premier shuttler.

SHI YUQI WORLD NO. 3 "I used attack to break Chen Long's defense. I had a faith that the kind of attack I would use could be effective. The reason for my win was because I kept on attacking until the last moment."

In the round of 16, Shi defeated Lin Dan in straight game in a contest which lasted just 44 minutes. In the quarter-finals, he saw off Chou Tien Chen from Chinese Taipei which set up the contest with Chen. Despite getting past some of the best the game has to offer, he feels it's his youthful exuberance which has held him in good stead for the tournament against some of badminton's veterans.

SHI YUQI WORLD NO. 3 "I think I had an advantage because of my age, and my opponents consume more body energy which causes the decline in their abilities. I may have a faster speed than them, which is why I think I beat them."

Shi will meet Japan's Kento Momota in the final. Momota has enjoyed a successful 2018 and holds the upper hand over Shi already this season after defeating him at the Asian Championships in April. 

SHI YUQI WORLD NO. 3 "I have made special adjustments according to Momota's playing style. Chen Long had also played against him before and we have discussed ways on how to deal with him on the court, I don't know whether it will be effective. He is in a good psychological condition, and his playing style is not to attack, but to make counter-attacks with a good defense. So I should be more patient and make full use of my speed advantage."

A victory here could spark something of a homecoming for Shi with him being born in the host province of Jiangsu. So home advantage he may have, but it will all count for nothing if he can't keep an experienced head throughout the contest. Mike Fox, CGTN.