In a masterclass of resilience, tactical maturity, and athletic excellence, China’s top-seeded shuttler Shi Yuqi battled past Singapore’s Loh Kean Yew in straight games to advance to the semifinals of the 2025 All England Open. With a final scoreline of 21-18, 21-16, Shi not only booked his place in the last four of the prestigious Super 1000 event but also set up a much-anticipated all-Chinese semifinal clash against compatriot Li Shifeng.
This semifinal matchup revives memories of their high-stakes encounter in the 2023 All England final—a thrilling contest that enthralled badminton fans around the world. With both men now standing as the only seeded players remaining in the men’s singles draw, their clash promises to be a defining moment in this year’s tournament.
A Test of Grit and Composure
Despite the straight-game win, Shi Yuqi’s quarterfinal against Loh Kean Yew was far from a walk in the park. In fact, the match could have tilted either way in its early stages. Shi, the 2018 All England champion and current world No. 1, found himself trailing 11-8 at the mid-game interval of the first game. Loh, renowned for his lightning-fast footwork and explosive attacks, applied early pressure and was successful in pushing Shi into defensive positions.
But the Chinese star is no stranger to adversity. Drawing upon his wealth of experience and his calm demeanor, Shi slowly clawed back into the game, constructing points with patient rallying and forcing errors from his opponent. A crucial turning point came at 17-17, when Shi produced a stunning crosscourt smash followed by a deceptive net drop to take control. He closed out the game 21-18, signaling his intent to dictate proceedings moving forward.
Second Game Brilliance
The second game saw Shi Yuqi growing in confidence and rhythm. His movement across the court became more fluid, and his reading of Loh’s shot patterns was exceptional. He began to dominate the front court, capitalizing on Loh’s occasional overcommitments and cleverly placing his shots to stretch the Singaporean across all four corners. Loh Kean Yew, the 2021 World Champion, showed flashes of brilliance—especially with his quick-fire counterattacks and signature jump smashes—but Shi’s consistency proved too much. A 5-point run in the middle phase of the game put the Chinese ace firmly in control, and he sealed the match 21-16 with a beautiful net kill after forcing Loh into a tight lift.
As the crowd in Birmingham applauded the display of high-level badminton, Shi raised his fist in quiet celebration, his eyes already focused on the challenge ahead.
A Semifinal Steeped in Rivalry
Shi Yuqi’s win sets up a mouthwatering semifinal against Li Shifeng, a match that carries not just national significance but also layers of personal and professional rivalry.
Li Shifeng, currently ranked No. 4 in the world, had earlier in the day dispatched India’s Lakshya Sen with clinical efficiency. The 23-year-old rising star took just 43 minutes to secure his spot in the semifinals, defeating Sen 21-15, 21-14. Li, who won the All England title in 2023, has emerged as one of the most consistent Chinese players on tour and is widely seen as the heir to China’s men’s singles throne.
The upcoming semifinal will mark the eighth career meeting between Shi and Li. While Shi leads the head-to-head tally, Li has closed the gap significantly in recent years. Their 2023 All England final was a pulsating three-game affair, with Li edging it 23-21 in the decider. That match remains one of the highlights of recent All England history, showcasing the depth and competitiveness of China’s men’s singles program.
Shi Yuqi The Resilient Contender
Shi Yuqi’s road to the semifinals has been defined by more than just his on-court prowess. His career trajectory is one of resilience and redemption. After a string of injuries in 2019 and a controversial suspension in 2021 that saw him sidelined from international play, many doubted whether he could return to his peak form. However, since his return in 2022, Shi has been on a mission—not only to reclaim his status but to redefine it.
In 2023 and 2024, he won the China Open, the French Open, and helped China clinch the Sudirman Cup. His resurgence has been marked by a more aggressive style of play, greater mental focus, and improved fitness. Under the guidance of the national coaching team, Shi has worked on diversifying his offensive arsenal, including tighter net play and sharper crosscourt angles.
In Birmingham this year, his performances have been top-tier. Prior to the quarterfinal, he dispatched opponents from France and Japan in dominant fashion, barely losing double digits in any of those games. Against Loh Kean Yew, he showed he could withstand pressure and still prevail with poise.
Li Shifeng The New Guard
Li Shifeng’s rise has been meteoric. Hailing from the city of Nanchang, Li was long viewed as a promising junior player but was overshadowed in the early stages of his senior career by the likes of Shi Yuqi and Lu Guangzu. That all changed in 2022 when he reached multiple BWF World Tour finals and started beating top-10 players consistently.
His biggest breakthrough came at the 2023 All England, where he stunned the world by defeating Viktor Axelsen and then Shi Yuqi to clinch the title. That victory catapulted him into the world top 5 and established him as a serious contender for major titles.
Li’s game is built on explosive footwork, compact technique, and deceptive changes in pace. Unlike Shi, who often prefers to build rallies and outlast opponents, Li thrives on quick finishes, using his tight net shots to create lift opportunities before unleashing his lethal smashes.
In this year’s All England, Li has looked supremely confident. He hasn’t dropped a single game en route to the semifinals and has appeared sharper with each passing round.
The Significance of an All-Chinese Semifinal
While All England has long been a hunting ground for Chinese players, an all-Chinese semifinal is still a major achievement—especially in an era where badminton has become increasingly competitive with strong contenders from Denmark, Indonesia, Malaysia, India, and Japan.
For China, this clash is symbolic of their successful generational transition in men’s singles. While legends like Lin Dan have retired and the “golden era” seemed to be fading, players like Shi and Li have ensured that the Chinese flag continues to fly high in major tournaments.
“Having two Chinese players in the semifinals of a Super 1000 is a statement,” said former Olympic champion Chen Long during a panel discussion on Chinese television. “It shows the depth, the discipline, and the hunger of this new generation.”
What’s at Stake
For both Shi Yuqi and Li Shifeng, this semifinal isn’t just about national pride. It’s about legacy, momentum heading into the Olympic qualification period, and the psychological edge of beating a familiar rival on the grandest stage.
For Shi, a victory would place him in his fifth All England final—a remarkable feat and a testament to his longevity at the elite level. A second All England title would further solidify his comeback story and reinforce his claim as the world’s top men’s singles player.
For Li, a win would be a confirmation that his 2023 triumph was no fluke. Beating Shi again in Birmingham would elevate his reputation, possibly paving the way for a second title and even a future world number one ranking.
Fan Anticipation and Global Buzz
The buildup to the semifinal has captured the imagination of fans worldwide. Social media platforms have been buzzing with highlight reels, analysis, and nostalgic clips from their previous meetings. On Weibo, the hashtag #ShiVsLi has garnered millions of views in less than 24 hours.
In Birmingham, ticket sales for the semifinals spiked following Shi’s and Li’s victories. Organizers have confirmed that the match will be scheduled as the headline evening fixture to maximize audience engagement.
“I’ve been watching badminton for 15 years, and this is the kind of rivalry that defines an era,” said one fan outside Arena Birmingham. “Shi is like the veteran commander, and Li is the young general trying to take the throne. It’s epic.”
Expert Predictions
Analysts are divided over the outcome. While Shi’s experience and tactical mastery give him an edge in handling big-match pressure, Li’s current form and aggressive game style could unsettle even the most seasoned campaigners.
Former Danish star Jan O Jorgensen shared his thoughts on Eurosport: “Shi Yuqi has the tools to win, but he must take the initiative early. If he allows Li to dictate pace, it could be dangerous. Either way, expect a three-game thriller.”
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