Shi Yuqi wins men's singles title at the World Badminton Championships in Paris on Aug 31. [Photo provided to en.nantong.gov.cn]

Shi Yuqi, a badminton player from Nantong, Jiangsu province, won the men's singles final by defeating the defending champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn 2-1 at the World Badminton Championships in Paris, France, on Aug 31.

This victory signifies his first singles world championship win and increases his total world championship titles to seven.

This marked Shi's fifth appearance at the World Badminton Championships, with his best result previously being a runner-up finish in men's singles in 2018. As the top seed in this year's tournament, he showcased the skill expected of the top-ranked player, overcoming six tough opponents to reach the singles world champion podium.

The Olympics and the World Championships are the top two events in international badminton. Before this, Shi had secured six world titles in team competitions, such as the Thomas Cup and the Sudirman Cup. Winning the singles title at the World Championships marks a major milestone in his career.

In 1991, Nantong legend Zhao Jianhua claimed the men's singles title at the World Championships. Now, 34 years later, his younger compatriot Shi has achieved the same, reinforcing Nantong's reputation as a birthplace of world champions and further boosting its badminton legacy.