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Ira Gorawara

Loh Kean Yew has equalled the best result ever achieved by a Singaporean badminton player by upsetting China’s world No 7 Li Shifeng.
And Loh, ranked 12th in the world, has taken China’s badminton fan base by storm after his victory.
The 24-year-old Chinese badminton stand-out was among the top five men favoured to top the podium in Paris, following his medal-winning exploits in six BWF World Tours since March 2023.
The first game was nip and tuck, requiring extra points to decide a winner, but it was Loh who came out on top.
Entering the second game with an advantage in his pocket, Loh sailed through the second and final game, with a 21-15 victory to advance to the quarter-final stage.

Loh’s unexpected triumph ignited a fever back home.
“You deserve to scream out loud Loh Kean Yew!!! Thank you so much for fighting to the dead, my dear. No regrets. Just enjoy your game,” one user posted to X.
“Loh Kean Yew.. no words. Brilliant,” another wrote.
The triumph has propelled Loh to the last eight, where he will battle against Denmark’s world No 2 Viktor Axelsen, the reigning Olympic champion, on Friday.
Matching Ronald Susilo’s finish from the 2004 Olympics, Loh has a shot at making Singaporean sports history.
Loh will enter his quarter-final match-up on the heels of two-straight competition days, while Axelsen last played on Wednesday with a bye in the round of 16.
“I’ll be playing against my good friend, but not on the court tomorrow,” Loh said. “Looking forward to the match.
“He has a great advantage today, because he rested. I’m going to give my best tomorrow.”
But the 2021 world champion has proven his mettle as an underdog, and claimed Friday will be no different.
“The pressure is on him, not me,” Loh said. “Job’s not done.”


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Paris 2024 Olympic Games

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Loh Kean Yew has become an idol back home in Singapore after his victory over Li Shifeng in the badminton quarter-finals. Photo: Xinhua

Loh Kean Yew has gained an extra following in China to go with his new hero status in Singapore. Photo: Xinhua

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Zhang Yufei on the podium for the third time at the Paris Games on Thursday. Photo: Xinhua

Zhang Yufei enters the La Defense Arena as she prepares to race at the Paris Olympics. Photo: Xinhua

Zhang Yufei in full flight as she swims butterfly, the stroke for which she is renowned. Photo: AFP

Zhang Yufei leaves the pool after swimming in her 200m butterfly semi-final in Paris. Photo: Xinhua

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China’s Zhang Yufei swims in the final of the women’s 200m butterfly in Paris. Photo: AFP

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Simone Biles and Sunisa Lee celebrate their medals in the women’s all-around final. Photo: Reuters

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Hong Kong’s Siobhan Haughey at the Champions Park at Trocadero in Paris. Photo: AFP

Sarah Sjostrom of Sweden celebrates after winning gold in the women’s 100m freestyle. Photo: Reuters

Gold medallist Sarah Sjostrom (centre), flanked by silver medallist Torri Huske (left) and bronze medallist Siobhan Haughey. Photo: Reuters

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Zheng Qinwen celebrates her semi-final victory over Iga Swiatek. Photo: Xinhua

Zheng Qinwen lies on the court celebrating her win. Photo: Xinhua

Zheng Qinwen’s win sent her into Saturday’s final. Photo: Xinhua

Sport

Paris Olympics 2024

Ranked 12th in the world, Loh has taken China’s badminton fan base by storm after his victory


Ranked 12th in the world, Loh Kean Yew has taken China’s badminton fan base by storm after his victory.


Badminton World Federation (BWF)