Yuqi returns as hot favourite for world crown after back-to-back Japan and China Open titles
Yuqi had slipped down to No. 2 behind Thailand's Kunlavut Vitidsarn after a dip in form from April to June but has rediscovered his best before the world meet by capturing back-to-back titles in the Japan and China Opens.
The 29-year-old's victory in China on Sunday was especially sweet as it was his first title in his home Open and confirmed his rise to the top spot again.
Yuqi had defeated teammate and surprise finalist Wang Zhengxing for the crown in Changzhou.
The former was ecstatic after ending his long wait for the title and is now heading for the Paris showpiece in confident mood.
"My past results at the China Open were not great, so I'm extremely happy to be able to win the title this time," Yuqi told the Badminton World Federation (BWF).
Yuqi will be keen to next end his wait for the coveted world crown.
The Chinese ace came closest to winning the prestigious title in 2018 at home in Nanjing but was denied in the final by Japan's Kento Momota.
The silver has been Yuqi's sole medal in the world meet so far.
The two-time All-England champion will be under pressure to end China's nine-year men's singles title draught in the tourney.
Chen Long, who triumphed in 2015, was the last Chinese to capture the gold.
Since then, only Lin Dan, who was foiled by Denmark's Viktor Axelsen in 2017, has reached the final for China besides Yuqi himself.
China will also be banking on world No. 4 Li Shifeng for the title.
The other contenders for the gold will likely be Kunlavut, who is also the defending champion, Denmark's world No. 3 Anders Antonsen and Axelsen.
The seedings for the world meet this time will be released on Aug 8, while the draw will be revealed on Aug 13.
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