Victor Lai has made history by becoming the first Canadian medalist in the Badminton World Championship.
Lai fell short against the number 1 of the world Shi Yu Qi in China in the semifinals on Saturday, but bronze medals are awarded to both semifinal losers.
Markham’s 20-year player, Ontario, broke up to win the opening game in Paris, 21-13.
Lai had three game points in the second game when he hit a long shot that lost the bottom line for a few centimeters. Shi, who won gold, successfully challenged before winning consecutive games (22-20, 21-16).
Lai beat the 2021 world champion Loh Kean Yew of Singapore in the quarterfinals on Friday, assaulting having dropped 17-12 in the opening game to win 22-20, 21-18, his second annoying victory of the week. He defeated Lu Guangzu of China in the second round on Wednesday.
Lai is only a few weeks withdrawn from her victory at the gold medal at the Junior Pan American Games.
“I think I got a lot of confidence since the summer, from the past tournaments, and it feels good to be the helpless. I do not have much pressure against the players planted, so I go and I do the best I can,” Lai said in a press release.
“This has been an incredible week for Victor and the Canadian Bádminton. He showed that he can compete with the best in the world on the biggest stage,” said Canada team coach Mike Butler. “Our first world championship medal was secured and was to a point of playing for gold.”
