In a stunning turn of events at the BWF World Championships, Singapore's world-ranked 9 player, Loh Kean Yew, was unexpectedly defeated by Canada’s Victor Lai—currently ranked 50th—in the men’s singles quarter-finals held at the Adidas Arena in Paris.

A Thrilling First Meeting

The match marked the first encounter between the two players, and it was Lai's impressive debut on the world championship stage. He seized victory with scores of 22-20 and 21-18, leaving spectators on the edge of their seats.

Early Exchanges and Momentum Shifts

The match began with both players trading points closely, but it was Lai, only 20 years old, who astutely built a lead of 11-8 going into the break after clinching four consecutive points.

However, Loh, the seasoned competitor at 28, displayed remarkable resilience. He capitalized on several errors from Lai, momentarily reversing the tide to establish a 17-12 lead. Yet, Lai's composure shone through as he clawed his way back to tie the game at crucial moments.

Lai Proves Unshakeable

Lai’s tenacity was on full display, as he tied the first game at 19-19 and again at 20-20 before ultimately claiming it in just 22 minutes.

Shifting Dynamics in Game Two

Charging into the second game, Loh initially surged ahead with a quick 4-0 start. Yet, Lai quickly countered with a stunning eight-point run, once again proving unfazed by the high stakes. By the time they reached halftime, Lai led 11-9 and maintained that edge to secure his biggest victory to date.

Next Up for Lai: A Significant Challenge

This victory positions Lai for a semi-finals showdown against either Shi Yu Qi, the world number one from China, or his fellow countryman Weng Hong Yang. Incredibly, Lai has already taken down formidable rivals, including China’s 11th-ranked Lu Guangzu and the 38th-ranked Jeon Hyeok-jin from South Korea.

Loh's Resilience Amidst Adversity

For Loh, this was his first tournament since battling a bacterial infection that sidelined him from the China and Japan Opens. The tournament journey had seen him decisively eliminate Mauritius' Georges Julien Paul and Finland's Kalle Koljonen, ultimately setting up his dramatic quarter-final clash.

Looking Ahead to Future Challenges

Despite the disappointment, Loh remains a formidable player and will undoubtedly be one to watch in future competitions. Meanwhile, Lai, guaranteed at least a joint-bronze, has etched his name in championship history as the first unseeded men’s singles player to reach the semi-finals since Loh did back in 2021.