A new hairstyle, a fresh image, and a new mentality — World No. 1 Shi Yu Qi entered the 2025 BWF World Championships in Paris with more than just his badminton skills making headlines. The Chinese top seed is determined to turn this campaign into a breakthrough moment in his career, chasing the one title that has so far eluded him: the world crown.
Tough Opening Test Against Lakshya Sen
On Monday at the Adidas Arena, Shi Yu Qi was tested immediately in his opening round. Facing India’s Lakshya Sen, ranked only World No. 21 but widely regarded as a dangerous early opponent, the match was anything but simple. Sen is no stranger to the big stage — he is a former World Championships bronze medalist, a Paris Olympic semifinalist, and a pivotal figure in India’s historic 2022 Thomas Cup victory.
Despite the challenge, Shi Yu Qi showcased his composure and precision, claiming a straight-games victory 21-17, 21-19. The win not only advanced him to the second round but also extended his personal dominance over Sen, improving his head-to-head record to 4-1. Impressively, Shi has now beaten the Indian star in four consecutive encounters since 2022.
Confidence Backed by Winning Momentum
While the result brought relief, it also continued Shi’s remarkable form. The 28-year-old is riding an 11-match unbeaten streak and has already clinched four major BWF World Tour titles in 2025 — including prestigious trophies at the Malaysia Open, All England, Japan Open, and China Open. His consistency across different tournaments and conditions makes him the clear favorite in Paris.
Speaking to the BWF after his win, Shi Yu Qi emphasized the importance of focus.
“I am trying to approach this competition with a normal mindset,” he said. “Of course, winning is important for anyone, and I want this world title badly, but I know I must take it one match at a time.”
A Bold New Look: Not Superstition, but Mindset
Beyond his on-court performance, Shi Yu Qi also grabbed attention for his striking new hair color and updated image. Many speculated it might be a lucky charm ahead of the World Championships, but the top seed clarified that the change was about mental refreshment rather than superstition.
“It’s about challenging myself with a new image and a new state of mind,” he explained. “This is not about luck — it’s about pushing myself forward and staying mentally sharp.”
Even a controversial moment late in the second game — when Shi believed a shuttle had already touched the ground before Sen returned it — did not rattle his focus.
“Maybe the umpire didn’t see it, but I told myself to stay calm and continue playing,” he said.
The Road Ahead in Paris
With the opening hurdle cleared, Shi Yu Qi’s path to the later rounds looks promising. In the second round, he will meet Belgium’s Julien Carraggi. If successful, he could then face either France’s Christo Popov or Hong Kong’s Angus Ng Ka Long in the last 16. A potential quarter-final clash may pit him against either France’s home favorite Alex Lanier or fellow Chinese shuttler Weng Hong Yang.
Shi Yu Qi has come close to global glory before, most notably finishing runner-up at the 2018 World Championships in Nanjing. Now, with maturity, experience, and momentum on his side, the Chinese ace is determined to capture his first-ever World Championship title and solidify his legacy as one of badminton’s greats.
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