China’s Shi Yuqi suffered a straight-game defeat to Singapore’s Loh Kean Yew at the 2026 BWF China Masters in Shenzhen on Tuesday, marking an early exit for the second consecutive tournament following the World Championships.
The opening-day clash between sixth-seeded Shi and Loh lasted just 30 minutes, ending in a swift 21-11, 21-10 victory for the Singaporean player, according to reports from Xinhua. For Shi, who claimed the world title in 2025, the defeat compounds the frustration of another early tournament exit after his campaign at the World Championships also concluded in the first round.
Physical Struggles and Recovery After Illness
Speaking after the match, Shi acknowledged that he was operating below his peak physical condition. According to Xinhua, the Chinese singles star revealed he had dealt with lingering health issues following his previous major tournament appearance.
“I had a low fever for a week after the World Championships and felt quite unwell,” Shi said, as reported by Xinhua. “I’m fully recovered now. I really gave it my all in this match.”
Despite the physical toll, Shi’s early departure added to a difficult opening day for the host nation’s singles contingent in Shenzhen. Compatriot Hu Zhean mounted a resilient challenge against fifth-seeded Anders Antonsen of Denmark, but the Danish player ultimately advanced by coming from behind to secure a 19-21, 21-11, 21-16 victory.
Women’s Singles and Mixed Doubles Results
While the men’s singles bracket saw notable upsets, Chinese players experienced mixed fortunes elsewhere on the tournament schedule. In the women’s singles draw, China’s Han Qianxi advanced comfortably past Pai Yu-po of Chinese Taipei with a 21-10, 21-9 scoreline, setting up a second-round encounter against top seed An Se-young of South Korea. An booked her place in the next round following a 21-11, 21-3 win over Lin Hsiang-ti of Chinese Taipei, while Thailand’s Pornpawee Chochuwong fell 21-14, 21-15 to Chiu Pin-chian of Chinese Taipei.
In mixed doubles, top seeds Feng Yanzhe and Huang Dongping survived a tense, extended battle against Japan’s Yuta Watanabe and Maya Taguchi. After missing six match points in a dramatic deciding game, the Chinese pair eventually held their nerve to win 27-25 and secure a spot in the last 16.
Men’s Doubles Top Seeds Ousted
The turbulence of the opening day extended beyond the singles courts as the men’s doubles top seeds, Kim Won-ho and Seo Seung-jae of South Korea, were eliminated by Indonesia’s Leo Rolly Karnando and Daniel Marthin with twin 21-19, 21-19 game scores.
“First, we need to adjust our physical condition and ensure that we can train systematically without injuries,” Kim said, according to Xinhua. “We also need to focus on maintaining our concentration and executing our planned tactics.”
Players remaining in the tournament will continue their campaigns through the week in Shenzhen as the BWF World Tour event progresses toward the weekend rounds.
