Source: REUTERS/VCG
[Saba Sports News] Following the Malaysia Masters, Chinese player Shi Yuqi has once again made history by staying at the top of the men’s singles rankings for 50 consecutive weeks while also breaking the 100,000-point mark, becoming the fifth person to achieve this milestone. This accomplishment holds great significance. In the 2025 season, he won titles at the Malaysian Open and All England Championships, and was also a key player in China’s victory at the Sudirman Cup. His consistent excellent performances solidified his position as world No. 1. In my view, Shi Yuki’s achievement of being the world No. 1 for 50 weeks is the result of a combination of individual talent, team wisdom, and opportunities of the times. This record is more than just a numerical accumulation; it symbolizes the transformation of Chinese men’s singles from a “low point” to “redefining rules.” Amid increasing reliance on technology and capital in sports competition today, he used the Eastern wisdom of “strategic maneuvering over brute force” to bring a rare tactical beauty and philosophical depth to modern badminton. Future challenges may be more arduous, but as he said in his championship speech, “Rankings can be surpassed, but the pursuit of perfection has no end.” This dedication to technique is the most touching footnote to sportsmanship.