men’s singles final after defeating France’s rising star Alex Lanier in straight games,
21–15, 21–17, in a high-tempo semi-final that demanded both power and patience.Still managing a foot issue that affected him late in the season, Shi showed noticeably sharper movement than he did at the BWF World Tour Finals. In a match filled with long exchanges and rapid counterattacks, he controlled the key moments with disciplined shot selection and precise placement.Watch highlights of Shi Yuqi vs. Alex Lanier in the 2025 King Cup semi-finals:
A Test Against Europe’s Fastest-Rising Men’s Singles Threat
The semi-final carried extra intrigue. Lanier, the 2025 European Championships gold medallisthas emerged as one of Europe’s fastest-improving players, climbing rapidly up the world rankings through fearless attacking play and improved court coverage.
Shi, meanwhile, has enjoyed one of the most complete seasons of his career — highlighted by a major world title, multiple elite-level tour wins, and the world No. 1 ranking as a season-long reward for consistency.
The two had met recently in the Japan Open final, where Shi won in straight games. Both arrived at the King Cup in solid form: Shi eliminated former world No. 1 Kento Momota 2–0, while Lanier advanced with a straight-games win over Canada’s Victor Lai.
Game 1: Shi Pulls Away with Signature Overhead Attacks
The opening game was tight early, with the score level at 6–6 before Shi raised the tempo. Using his trademark overhead attacks — including sharp-cut angles from the rear court — he ripped off a three-point burst to move ahead 9–6.
Shi carried that momentum into the interval with an 11–7 lead, then returned with even greater control. His diagonal strikes from the back line repeatedly forced defensive lifts, allowing him to extend the gap to 17–10 and close the game 21–15.
Game 2: Lanier Pushes, Shi Holds Firm
Shi opened the second game strongly, building a 4–2 lead through tight net control followed by quick-step rear-court attacks. A brief patch of errors allowed Lanier to draw level, and the game settled into a tense exchange that remained locked at 8–8.
Once again, Shi found another gear at the critical moment. He increased the quality of his first attack, squeezed Lanier’s options, and entered the break ahead 11–9. After the interval, Shi accelerated with a three-point run to open up 14–9, forcing Lanier into higher-risk plays.
Lanier responded with a spirited push, using quick kills and sharp net touches to bring the margin back within two points on multiple occasions. But Shi stayed composed, absorbed the pressure, and closed out the match 21–17 without allowing a full swing in momentum.
Final Set: Shi Yuqi vs Anders Antonsen
With the win, Shi Yuqi moves into the men’s singles final, where he will face Denmark’s Anders Antonsen. Antonsen earned his place by defeating Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie 21–13, 22–20 in the other semi-final.
The championship match now sets up a marquee clash: the season’s top-ranked Chinese star against one of Europe’s most experienced and tactically versatile contenders — a fitting finale to the 2025 King Cup.
