Beijing: Shi Yuqi who was banned by the Chinese Badminton Association for 10 months since October 2021, talked to the media recently that he was immersing himself in training during the 10-month suspension.
“My current plan is to try to collect as many ranking points as possible. I am more mature now compared to last year. Due to the change in the Badminton World Federation’s (BWF) policy of removing older ranking points, I have to come back early to ensure I can compete at higher-level tournaments next year,” said Shi.
The Chinese Badminton Association originally banned the 26-year-old from participating in any international tournaments for 1 year. Due to his good behavior during the suspension, Shi was allowed to compete in his first tournament coming out of suspension at the 2022 World Championships which was held in Tokyo in August 2022. He lost to Anthony Sinisuka Ginting of Indonesia 11-21, 21-13, 18-21 in the third round of the World Championships. Shi was able to advance to the semi-final of the Japan Open the following week, before losing to Chou Tien Chen 21-15, 19-21, 12-21 in the semi-final.
Next, Shi Yuqi said that he would play at the 2022 Australian Open after the Denmark, French, and Hylo Open in Europe. Although the 2022 Australian Open is a Super 300 event, he had to participate to earn more ranking points.
Due to his suspension, Shi’s world ranking is expected to fall from World No. 27 to World No. 43 in the latest BWF rankings which will be published on Tuesday, October 11, 2022.
Shi Yuqi is currently shouldering heavy responsibility for China as a gold medal contender in Paris Olympics, therefore, his coaches are doing what they can to help Shi regain his top form before the Paris Games.
