Ningbo (China), April 12 -- World No. 1 Shi Yuqi was eliminated from the 2025 Badminton Asian Championships after a hard-fought quarterfinal defeat to Singapore's Loh Kean Yew.
The Chinese star, playing on home soil, narrowly lost the opening game 21-19 before bouncing back to take the second 21-13 on Friday.
However, Loh seized control in the decider, overpowering Shi 21-16 to secure the victory. Shi, who claimed his second All England title last month, admitted his physical condition hampered his performance.
"Today, my body wasn't at its best, and I couldn't play to my strengths," said Shi. Loh, thrilled with the upset, called the victory a "personal milestone."
"Winning against Shi is incredibly tough, so this means a lot to me,...