Shi Yuqi Reaches China Open Final, Eyes Fifth Title and Ranking Reclaim
A dominant performance from Shi Yuqi has propelled him into the final of the 2025 BWF China Open, setting the stage for a potential fifth singles title of the year and a bid to regain the world No. 1 ranking. The Chinese star defeated sixth-seeded Chou Tien-chen 21-13, 22-20 in Saturday’s semi-final at Beijing’s Olympic Sports Centre Gymnasium.
All-Chinese Men’s Final Set
Shi Yuqi’s path to the championship will be an entirely domestic affair, as he will face compatriot Wang Zhengxing in Sunday’s final. The 23-year-old Wang produced a stunning upset, eliminating second seed Anders Antonsen in straight games 21-18, 21-15. This marks Wang’s debut appearance in a Super 1000 final, and a particularly significant one given it’s on home soil.
Shi is aiming to reclaim the No. 1 ranking he lost to Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn in May, ending a remarkable 52-week reign at the top of the sport. This final appearance represents a breakthrough for the 29-year-old, marking his first at the prestigious China Open despite having reached the semi-final stage in the Chinese capital on two previous occasions.
Women’s Finalists to be Determined
The women’s singles final matchup remains undecided as of Saturday. Yamaguchi Akane and Wang Zhiyi will contest the first semi-final, followed by a clash between world No. 1 An Seyoung and Chinese shuttler Han Yue. The winners of these matches will battle for the women’s singles title.
The China Open men’s singles final is scheduled to take place on Sunday, July 27th, promising a thrilling conclusion to the tournament.
