China failed to reach a single singles final at the XX Asian Games, marking a significant downturn for the badminton powerhouse. Both the men’s and women’s singles categories ended without a Chinese representative in the gold medal matches, with the team securing only bronze medals in the women’s event.
Chinese Singles Players Exit Before Finals
The men’s singles draw saw a complete absence of Chinese players in the semifinals. Top hope Shi Yu Qi was eliminated in the third round by South Korea’s Yoo Tae Bin. This early exit left China without a path to the podium in the men’s individual category.
In the women’s singles, China managed to place two athletes in the semifinals, but neither could advance. Chen Yu Fei faced world number one An Se Young of South Korea, losing 5-21, 12-21. In the other semifinal, Wang Zhi Yi, ranked second globally, faced Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi. Despite the close ranking, Yamaguchi took the first set 21-11 and closed the match 22-20 to secure her spot in the final.
As a result, Chen Yu Fei and Wang Zhi Yi finished the tournament with bronze medals. This marks the first time since the 2018 Asian Games that China has failed to reach a singles final; however, records from 2018 indicate that the team was in a transition phase at that time, whereas the current squad featured their top-ranked players.
Southeast Asian Dominance in Men’s Singles
The vacuum left by the Chinese men’s team paved the way for Southeast Asian athletes. The men’s singles final will feature two world championship winners: Loh Kean Yew of Singapore and Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand.
Gold Medal Opportunities in Doubles Events
With the singles disappointment, China’s hopes for gold shift to the doubles categories. The team has three remaining opportunities to secure the top prize on September 29, the final day of badminton competition at the XX Asian Games.
In mixed doubles, the pair of Jiang Zhen Bang and Wei Yaxin, currently ranked third in the world, will face Indonesia’s Syahnawi Amri and Marwah Nita Violina, who hold the 15th world ranking.
The women’s doubles final features the world number one pair, Liu Sheng Shu and Tan Ning, competing against South Korea’s Lee Sohee and Baek Hana. The men's doubles final will see Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang take on Indonesia's Marthin Daniel and Carnando Leo.
| Event | Chinese Representative(s) | Opponent(s) | Status/Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men’s Singles | Shi Yu Qi | Yoo Tae Bin (KOR) | Eliminated (Round 3) |
| Women’s Singles | Chen Yu Fei | An Se Young (KOR) | Bronze (Lost Semifinal) |
| Women’s Singles | Wang Zhi Yi | Akane Yamaguchi (JPN) | Bronze (Lost Semifinal) |
| Mixed Doubles | Jiang Zhen Bang / Wei Yaxin | Amri / Violina (INA) | Final (Sept 29) |
| Women’s Doubles | Liu Sheng Shu / Tan Ning | Lee Sohee / Baek Hana (KOR) | Final (Sept 29) |
| Men’s Doubles | Liang Weikeng / Wang Chang | Daniel / Leo (INA) | Final (Sept 29) |
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