Top 10 Best Performers in Badminton in 2024

The 2024 badminton season was full of excitement, new stars, and impressive performances. Many players rose to fame, and a few retired after long, successful careers. The Paris Olympics added extra spice to the year, giving players a chance to showcase their best skills.

Top 10 best performers in badminton in 2024

1. An Se Young

An Se Young made history this year. She became the first South Korean woman since 1996 to win Olympic gold in singles. At 22 years old, she dominated the women’s singles, winning titles in Malaysia, France, and Singapore. She also reached the final of the Indonesia Open.

Her hard-hitting shots and quick footwork were key to her success. An Se Young beat many top players from China. She has established herself as the new star of Korean badminton.

2. Shi Yuqi

Shi Yuqi, known as China’s Comeback Kid, had a fantastic year. He won four titles, including the Indonesia Open Super 1000. He regained his top form after a 14-month dry spell and reached five finals out of six tournaments.

Shi Yuqi helped China win the Thomas Cup, maintaining a perfect record. Although he lost to Vitidsarn in the Paris Olympics quarterfinals, he still ranked world No. 1 in June 2024.

3. Anders Antonsen

Denmark’s Anders Antonsen had a great start to 2024, winning his first Super 1000 title at the Malaysia Open. Halfway through the season, a coaching dispute led him to change his coach. He started working with his brother Kasper and adapted quickly.

Throughout the year, he consistently made it to the final rounds of major tournaments. Antonsen has kept Denmark at the top of European badminton along with Viktor Axelsen.

4. Kunlavut Vitidsarn

Kunlavut Vitidsarn from Thailand made history by winning Thailand’s first-ever Olympic medal in badminton. He secured a silver medal in Paris and defeated Shi Yuqi in the quarterfinals.

Vitidsarn’s defensive skills and ability to cover the court make him a standout player. He also reached the finals of the French Open and showed he could compete at the highest level. At 23, Vitidsarn is a rising star in the world of badminton.

5. Zheng Si Wei/Huang Ya Qiong

Zheng Si Wei and Huang Ya Qiong dominated the mixed doubles in 2024. They won gold at the Paris Olympics without losing a single game. They also secured titles at the Indonesia Masters, All England, and Singapore Open.

Their partnership ended when Zheng Siwei decided to retire after the Olympics. Before that, they won five titles in eight tournaments, ending their journey on a high note.

6. Chen Qingchen/Jia Yifan

Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan are a top women’s doubles pair from China. They won gold at the Paris Olympics after defeating another Chinese pair in the final. They also won the French Open and Singapore Open titles and finished as runners-up in Indonesia.

The pair changed their silver medal from the Tokyo Olympics to gold in Paris. This made it a year to remember.

7. Liu Sheng Shu/Tan Ning

Liu Sheng Shu and Tan Ning, another strong women’s doubles pair from China, reached the world No. 1 ranking in October 2024. They won a silver medal at the Paris Olympics and secured bronze at the Asian Championships.

With a 75% success rate against top 10 pairs, Liu/Tan are seen as the next generation of badminton doubles specialists in China.

8. Wang Zhiyi

Wang Zhiyi had a breakthrough year in 2024. She reached world No. 2 and won her first Super 1000 title in China. She followed it up with a gold medal at the Asian Championships.

Wang Zhiyi played a key role in China’s Uber Cup win. She showed her strength in regional badminton competitions.

9. Gregoria Mariska Tunjung

Gregoria Mariska Tunjung continued her rise as Indonesia’s top women’s singles player. She led Indonesia to their first Uber Cup final since 2008 and won a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics.

Throughout the year, she adjusted her playing style to challenge top players, improving her record against higher-ranked opponents.

10. Lee Yang/Wang Chi-Lin

Lee Yang and Wang Chi-Lin from Chinese Taipei made history. They defended their Olympic gold in men’s doubles, even though they were unseeded. Although they have not yet reached the No. 1 ranking, their ability to stay calm under pressure sets them apart.

Their strong teamwork and smart play have earned them respect in badminton. They are still a force in 2024.

Top Badminton Performers:

These players and pairs have made a big impact in the badminton world in 2024. Their dedication, hard work, and talent have brought them success on the world stage. Keep an eye on them as they continue to impress in the coming years.

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