China’s Thomas Cup title defense just hit a major roadblock in Denmark. Star player Shi Yuqi is out of the lineup only days after reaching a historic career milestone. The sudden departure comes as the Chinese team looks to maintain its momentum after a dominant start to the tournament.

It was announced by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) on its social media accounts that Shi Yuqi had withdrawn from his scheduled match against Canada’s Victor Lai.

On 27 April 2026, BWF posted on its social media accounts that Yuqi was withdrawing from the match due to illness, without providing specifics. As a result of the walkover, Canada was awarded a point.

China got its 2026 BWF Thomas & Uber Cup campaign off to a flying start in Denmark as it looks to defend its title. The Chinese team opened with a resounding 5-0 sweep over Australia. Yuqi defeated Australia's Ephraim Stephen Sam 21-14, 21-10 in the opening group stage of the 2026 BWF Thomas & Uber Cup Finals on 24 April 2026.

The impressive win also helped Yuqi achieve a new career milestone. After winning his first match at the Thomas Cup 2026, he reached 400 career men’s singles wins, becoming the 7th active men’s singles player to achieve this.

Shi Yuqi Talks About Not Being In "The Best Form"

Shi began the year on a promising note. He displayed an impressive performance at the Malaysia Open in January, where he made it to the final but had to retire in the second game due to a right shoulder injury, handing the title to Kunlavut Vitidsarn.

Shi suffered another setback at the All England Open 2026. There, he lost to Lakshya Sen in his opening match. Lakshya Sen beat the Chinese player with a scoreline of 23-21, 19-21, 21-17.

“It is normal to lose a game, especially when I haven’t played any tournament for so long and also because of the back injury I had,”

Yuqi revealed to the Badminton World Federation (BWF) following the match. In the same interview, Yuqi also disclosed that he was having problems with his wrist and wasn't in his "best form".

But he turned things around by April, winning his first Badminton Asia Championships title by beating India’s Ayush Shetty in straight games, 21-8, 21-10, in the final.

This latest withdrawal because of an undisclosed illness is another setback for Shi, but he’s proven before that he can bounce back strong.

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Written by

Sahil Prashar

Edited by

Kaamna Dwivedi