King Cup 2025 Final Set: Shi Yuqi and Antonsen to Clash for the Crown

Highlights

• Flawless Run to the Final: World No. 1 Shi Yuqi and Danish star Anders Antonsen have advanced to the King Cup final without dropping a single game, delivering dominant performances in their respective semifinals.
• A Clash of Styles: The championship promises a thrilling tactical battle between Shi Yuqi’s explosive precision and Anders Antonsen’s disciplined, errorless defense.

The stage is officially set for a blockbuster conclusion to the King Cup 2025, with World No. 1 Shi Yuqi and Danish star Anders Antonsen booking their spots in the final after delivering masterclass performances in today’s semifinals.

Both players advanced without dropping a single game, showcasing a level of maturity and skill that left their opponents with few answers.

Shi Yuqi’s Masterclass Halts Lanier

In the first semifinal, Shi Yuqi continued his imperious run by dismantling the rising French star, Alex Lanier. Shi displayed a highly mature game that seemed to unsettle the younger challenger from the start.

Lanier, who had impressed in earlier rounds with his aggression, found himself outmaneuvered by Shi’s tactical precision and uncanny court craft. Shi controlled the flow of the rallies, neutralizing Lanier’s attacks to secure a comprehensive straight-games victory, 21-15, 21-17. The win underscores Shi’s status as the man to beat, as he combined flair with a veteran’s composure.

Antonsen Outlasts Christie

The second semifinal saw Anders Antonsen take on Indonesian star Jonatan Christie. Much like Shi, Antonsen was in spectacular form, relying on an incredibly clean game plan characterized by minimal unforced errors.

Antonsen dominated the opening game 21-13, frustrating Christie with his impenetrable defense. The second game proved to be a tighter affair as Jonatan mounted a spirited comeback, briefly catching up and threatening to push the match to a decider. However, Antonsen remained cool under pressure. He continued to play disciplined badminton, forcing Christie into crucial mistakes during the deuce points. Antonsen sealed the match 22-20, silencing the crowd and booking his ticket to the final.

Super Sunday Awaits

The King Cup 2025 Final is scheduled for tomorrow, December 28. Fans can look forward to a tactical battle between Shi Yuqi’s explosive precision and Antonsen’s disciplined defense.

In addition to the championship match, tomorrow’s schedule will feature the third-place playoff between Jonatan Christie and Alex Lanier, as well as a special exhibition match to close out the tournament festivities.