Victor Lai earns bronze for Canada's 1st-ever medal at badminton world championships

Victor Lai has made history by becoming Canada's first-ever medallist at the badminton world championships.

Lai came up short against world No. 1 Shi Yu Qi of China in Saturday's semifinals, but bronze medals are awarded to both semifinal losers.

The 20-year-old from Markham, Ont., stormed out to win the opening game in Paris, 21-13.

Lai held three match points in the second game when he hit a long shot that missed the backline by a few centimetres. Shi, who went on to win gold, successfully challenged before winning back-to-back games (22-20, 21-16).

Lai beat 2021 world champion Loh Kean Yew of Singapore in the quarterfinals Friday, storming back from being down 17-12 in the opening game to win 22-20, 21-18 — his second upset victory of the week. He defeated 11th-seeded Lu Guangzu of China in the second round on Wednesday.

Victor Lai take a bow!