Victor Lai has achieved a historic milestone as the first Canadian to claim a medal at the badminton world championships. In the semifinals, Lai faced off against China’s world No. 1 Shi Yu Qi, ultimately securing a bronze medal as both semifinalists receive this recognition.
Hailing from Markham, Ontario, the 20-year-old displayed a strong start in Paris by winning the opening game with a score of 21-13. Despite holding three match points in the second game, Lai’s long shot missed the backline by a few centimeters, leading to Shi’s successful challenge and subsequent victory with scores of 22-20 and 21-16.
Earlier in the tournament, Lai achieved a notable upset victory by defeating the 2021 world champion Loh Kean Yew of Singapore in the quarterfinals after coming back from a 17-12 deficit in the opening game, ultimately winning 22-20, 21-18. This victory followed his win against the 11th-seeded Lu Guangzu of China in the second round.
Shortly after his gold medal triumph at the Junior Pan American Games, Lai expressed his confidence and satisfaction in being the underdog against seeded players, allowing him to perform without pressure. Team Canada’s head coach, Mike Butler, commended Lai’s performance, highlighting his ability to compete at a high level and secure Canada’s first-ever world championship medal, noting that Lai was just a point away from contending for the gold medal.
