'SUPER' SHI IS THE PRIDE OF CHINA

He routs Antonsen to win Malaysia Open as compatriots falter at final hurdle

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China's world No. 1 Shi Yuqi started the 2025 badminton season with the same dominant display that marked his previous campaign, as he defeated Denmark's Anders Antonsen 21-8, 21-15 in the Malaysia Open men's singles final on Jan 12.

Shi had lost in straight games to the Dane in the 2024 final, but he was a different proposition in this one-sided match, winning in just 39 minutes in front of a full house at the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur.

The 28-year-old, who claimed US$101,500 (S$139,100) in prize money, also became the first player from China to win the men's singles title in Malaysia since Lin Dan's 2019 triumph.

"I'm definitely happy because it has been a while since a Chinese men's singles shuttler won a title in Malaysia," said Shi, who won five Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Tour titles in 2024.

"Last year when I played against Antonsen, he was in excellent form, so today I reflected on my past encounters with him and I made sure to prepare thoroughly."

Needing only 15 minutes to secure the opening game, Shi's cross-court returns proved to be his strong suit, as they left world No. 2 Antonsen flat-footed at times.