Shi Yuqi Moves Viktor Axelsen From World Number 1

Shi Yuqi is ranked first BWF sliding Viktor Axelsen (Instagram/@shiyuqi.true).

JAKARTA China's men's singles, Shi Yuqi, officially shifts Viktor Axelsen from the top of the BWF world rankings. The Danish badminton player is now down to second place.

Axelsen is the world number one for 132 weeks or since December 1, 2021. His position was later shifted by Shi Yuqi in the latest ranking release issued by the BWF parent earlier this week.

"Being the world number one means a lot to me and I am proud," said Shi Yuqi as quoted by the official website of BWF.

Shi Yuqi has actually been confirmed to move up to world one after Axelsen decided to withdraw from the Indonesia Open 2024 tournament, which took place last week, due to injury.

In the tournament, Shi Yuqi then managed to come out as champion after defeating compatriot Axelsen, Anders Antonsen, in the final match on Sunday, June 9, 2024.

This is the fourth title of the 28-year-old badminton player from the five finals he faces in this year's calendar. Three other titles before Indonesia were won in a row from the India Open, French Open, and Singapore Open 2024.

In addition, Shi Yuqi also reached the semifinals at the 2024 Asian Championships and helped China bring home the 2024 Thomas Cup trophy after stopping Indonesia in the final.

Meanwhile, Axelsen has only received one title this year. He only bagged the title at the Malaysia Open 2024 earlier this year after beating Shi Yuqi in the final tournament party.

Shi Yuqi said that topping the world number one was not easy. He considered Axelsen certainly under pressure during his tenure in the 2.5-year period.

"I have to consistently reach the semifinals and finals and my mental skills and technical skills must also continue to play well. So, I think this is about maintaining a high level," said Shi Yuqi.

Holding the world number one status, Shi Yuqi will automatically be the challenger for Paris' 2024 Olympic gold medal in the middle of this year. At the world's most popular multi-events, Axelsen will be present as the defending champion.

Indonesian Men's Singles

Meanwhile, for the Indonesian mainstay men's singles duo, Jonatan Christie and Anthony Sinisuka Ginting, respectively occupying the third and ninth positions in the world.

The two badminton players will also be contestants for the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. However, the performance of the two names is currently underway since the clash in the All England 2024 final in March.

The latest bad results were experienced by both of them while playing at home, Indonesia Open 2024. In this tournament the two steps ran aground in the first half.

The 2024 Paris Olympics badminton will be held at the Porte De La Chapelle Arena, Paris, France, from 27 July to 5 August 2024.

Indonesia sent six representatives from five sectors. The four other representatives who accompanied Jonatan and Ginting were Apriyani Rahayu/Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti, Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto, Rinov Rivaldy/Pitha Haningtyas Mentari, and Gregoria Mariska Tunjung.

From the men's singles sector, Indonesia last won an Olympic gold medal through Taufik Hidayat in Athens 2024.