Shi Yuqi cruises past Antonsen to win the 2025 King’s Cup

The final match between Shi Yuqi and Anders Antonsen was a tale of two halves, showcasing both tactical grit and sheer explosive power. In the opening game, the two titans engaged in a high-stakes battle, with neither player willing to concede an inch. 

Antonsen initially took a 6-1 lead, but Shi gradually clawed his way back. The score remained neck-and-neck until the very end, reaching a tense 20-20 deadlock. At this critical juncture, Shi showed his trademark composure, winning two consecutive points to take the set 22-20.

If the first game was a chess match, the second was a blitzkrieg. Riding the momentum of his opening win, Shi Yuqi unleashed a relentless offensive. He quickly raced to a 6-1 lead and never looked back. 

The world No. 1 dominated the rallies with steep smashes and precise net play, leaving the Danish star struggling to find answers. Shi eventually closed out the game with a staggering 21-7 scoreline, ending the match in just under an hour and securing his first-ever King Cup trophy.

Throughout the tournament, Shi Yuqi was virtually untouchable, winning every match without dropping a single game. His journey to the gold began with a convincing 21-19, 21-15 victory over Japanese legend Kento Momota. In the semi-finals, he faced rising French star Alex Lanier, comfortably winning 21-15, 21-17. This flawless run underscores Shi’s incredible form as he wraps up the year.

The financial rewards for the podium finishers were equally impressive. For his victory, Shi Yuqi received a grand prize of 1.2 million yuan (approximately $170,000), along with a unique throne engraved with his name. Antonsen took home 600,000 yuan for his runner-up finish, while bronze medalist Alex Lanier earned 350,000 yuan.

This victory serves as a significant consolation for Shi, who suffered a shocking straight-games defeat (19-21, 9-21) to Christo Popov in the BWF World Tour Finals just a week earlier. 

Despite that late-season setback, 2025 has been a golden year for the 29-year-old. Shi’s trophy cabinet for the season now includes the Malaysia Open, the prestigious All England Open, the Japan Open, the China Open, and most importantly, his maiden BWF World Championship title.