Published: 09:00, September 1, 2025 | Updated: 09:08, September 1, 2025
BWF World Championships: Shi crowned in men's singles as China claims two titles
By Xinhua
Shi Yuqi of China poses with his medal after winning at the men's badminton singles final against Thailand's Kunlavut Vitidsarn at the 2025 BWF World Championships in Paris on Aug 31, 2025. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

PARIS - China claimed two titles, including Shi Yuqi's maiden world singles trophy as the 2025 BWF World Championships concluded here on Sunday.

In a grueling three-game men's final, Shi rallied past Thailand's defending champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn 19-21, 21-10, 21-18. Coming back from 8-3 down, the Chinese shuttler forced Kunlavut's return to go out of bounds to bag the long-awaited major title.

Shi Yuqi of China hit a returns during the men's badminton singles final against Thailand's Kunlavut Vitidsarn at the 2025 BWF World Championships in Paris on Aug 31, 2025. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

"Every match at this World Championships was tough. In the final, I gave it 120 percent - I adopted a very positive mindset, focusing solely on winning, and not dwelling on the possibility of losing. It paid off with my first world championships gold medal," Shi said after the match.

Gold medalists Liu Shengshu/Tan Ning (right) of China react during the awarding ceremony for the women's doubles final at the BWF World Championships 2025 in Paris, France, Aug 31, 2025. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

In the women's doubles final, Liu Shengshu/Tan Ning of China and Malaysia's Pearly Tan/Thinaah Muralitharan showcased high-quality offense and defense in a highly competitive match, before Liu/Tan prevailed 21-14, 20-22, 21-17 to clinch their first-ever world championships title.

"We both wanted this title so much. It ultimately came down to willpower. We prepared intensively for this event, and the win validates all our hard work," commented Liu.

Chen Yufei of China competes during the women's singles final match between Yamaguchi Akane of Japan and Chen Yufei of China at the BWF World Championships 2025 in Paris, France, Aug 31, 2025. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

In the women's singles title contention, China's Chen Yufei was affected by her ankle injury sustained in the semifinals, losing to Japan's Akane Yamaguchi 21-9, 21-13. Yamaguchi dominated with aggressive play and precision for her third world singles title after victories in 2021 and 2022.

Top-seeded pair Kim Won-ho/Seo Seung-jae of South Korea defeated China's world championships debutants Chen Boyang/Liu Yi in straight games, 21-17, 21-12, to claim the men's doubles gold medal.

READ MORE: Badminton: China's Shi Yuqi wins men's singles title at Japan Open

In the mixed doubles, China's Jiang Zhenbang/Wei Yaxin fell 21-15, 21-14 to Malaysia's Chen Tang Jie/Toh Ee Wei, whose victory marked Malaysia's first-ever world championships gold in the event.