Source:
REUTERS/ALAN BALDWIN
[Saba
Sports News] The 2024 BWF Super 750 French Open concluded in Paris. Shi Yu Qi,
often referred to as the “No. 1” of Chinese badminton, continued his
impressive performance in the new season by defeating last year’s World
Championships champion, Kunlavut Vitidsarn, in straight sets to secure the
championship title. After the match, Shi Yuqi took off his jersey and embraced
his mentor, Sun Jun, in a heartfelt celebration. Photos captured the moment, showcasing
the evident excitement and emotion shared by both Shi Yuqi and Sun Jun. They
embraced tightly, their eyes welling up with tears. Netizens were deeply moved
by this affectionate scene, likening their bond to that of a father and son. It
is known that Shi Yuqi is a protege nurtured by Sun Jun. Both of them hail from
the Jiangsu Province Badminton Team in China. Shi Yuqi’s rise to become the
“No. 1” of Chinese badminton owes much to the instrumental role
played by Sun Jun. In mid-2022, Sun Jun will assume the position of head coach
for the Chinese badminton team’s men’s singles division. At that time, the
men’s singles team was facing challenges with Chen Long’s absence due to injury
and Shi Yuqi’s struggles with injuries and suspensions. To elevate the team’s
standing, Sun Jun introduced new training methods, redesigned tactics and
playing styles tailored to each player’s strengths, and actively promoted
emerging talents such as Li Shifeng. With Sun Jun’s guidance and support, Shi
Yuqi eventually regained his form and reclaimed his position among the top
ranks of men’s singles in the global badminton arena.