Liu Yuchen

Introduction

Liu Yuchen, born on July 25, 1995, is a notable Chinese badminton player with an impressive track record. In 2018, he clinched the title of men's doubles World Champion, securing his position as a two-time Asian Champion in 2017 and 2018. At the 2020 Summer Olympics, Liu, alongside Li Junhui, earned a silver medal in men's doubles, narrowly losing to Lee Yang and Wang Chi-lin of Chinese Taipei in the final.

Liu's success extends to his contributions to the national team, where he played a crucial role in victories at the 2018 Asian Games, 2018 Thomas Cup, and 2019 Sudirman Cup. Teaming up with Li, they achieved the men's doubles world number 1 ranking in April 2017 and held the top spot for an impressive ten weeks.

Personal Life

Liu is the sibling of Liu Jing, a swimmer. Despite his professional achievements, Liu is affectionately referred to as Hendra Setiawan's 'eldest son' by fans, acknowledging his admiration for the senior player and his close ties with Setiawan's family. Liu acknowledged the humorous reference during an Instagram post shared with Setiawan's family at the Indonesia Masters in Jakarta.

Career

In his career, Liu competed in the 2020 Summer Olympics, facing criticism from Chinese netizens after winning a silver medal instead of a gold. In 2022, following Li Junhui's retirement, Liu formed a new partnership with Ou Xuanyi. Their collaboration proved successful, winning the Indonesia Open and securing victory at the World Tour Finals against Mohammad Ahsan and Hendra Setiawan.

In 2023, Liu and Ou played a crucial role in helping the Chinese national team advance to the final round of the Sudirman Cup. Facing a challenging semi-final against Takuro Hoki and Yugo Kobayashi, they saved four match points. They secured a vital win, eventually contributing to China's overall victory in the 2023 Sudirman Cup. Liu emphasized their focus on playing each point, while their compatriot Jia Yifan acknowledged the significance of the men's doubles performance in securing the championship.

Achievements

Olympic Glory and Tough Competition

Liu Yuchen, a prominent Chinese badminton player, has left an indelible mark on the sport, with one of the highlights being his performance at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. Paired with Li Junhui, the duo secured a silver medal in the fiercely contested men's doubles category. However, their journey was met with stiff competition, particularly from the skilled duo of Lee Yang and Wang Chi-lin from Chinese Taipei, who emerged victorious with a score of 18-21, 12-21.

Triumph at BWF World Championships

Liu's prowess was prominently displayed at the BWF World Championships, with a standout moment in 2018 at Nanjing Youth Olympic Sports Park, where he and Li Junhui claimed the gold in men's doubles. Facing Japan's Takeshi Kamura and Keigo Sonoda, they secured a decisive victory with a scoreline of 21-12, 21-19. The following year, at St. Jakobshalle, Basel, Switzerland, the duo battled fiercely to earn a bronze against Japan's Takuro Hoki and Yugo Kobayashi, concluding with a score of 19-21, 13-21.

Asian Games

The Asian Games in 2018 at Istora Gelora Bung Karno, Jakarta, Indonesia, witnessed Liu and Li's prowess, earning a bronze medal in men's doubles after a challenging match against Indonesia's Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Rian Ardianto, with a score of 14-21, 21-19, 13-21. Liu's excellence continued at the Asian Championships, notably in 2017 at Wuhan Sports Center Gymnasium, where he and Li claimed the gold in men's doubles by defeating China's Huang Kaixiang and Wang Yilyu with a score of 21-14, 21-12. The success persisted in 2018 at the same venue, securing another gold by overcoming Japan's Takeshi Kamura and Keigo Sonoda with a score of 11-21, 21-10, 21-13.

World Junior Championships

Liu Yuchen's early success in the BWF World Junior Championships was highlighted in 2013 at Hua Mark Indoor Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. Partnering with Huang Dongping in mixed doubles, they clinched the gold by triumphing over Indonesia's Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo and Masita Mahmudin with a score of 21-6, 17-21, 19-21.

Dominance in the BWF World Tour

Liu's prowess in the BWF World Tour showcased his adaptability and skill. Notable victories in tournaments like the Indonesia Masters, Japan Open, and BWF World Tour Finals, often in partnership with Li Junhui, solidified his status as a formidable player. In 2022, forming a successful partnership with Ou Xuanyi after Li Junhui's retirement, Liu achieved significant milestones, including winning the Indonesia Open and emerging victorious at the World Tour Finals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Liu Yuchen's journey in badminton has been nothing short of extraordinary. From his early triumphs in the BWF World Junior Championships to becoming a two-time Asian Champion and clinching the men's doubles World Championship title, Liu has consistently showcased skill, adaptability, and resilience. His contributions to the Chinese national team, marked by victories in prestigious tournaments and the Sudirman Cup, underscore his pivotal role in shaping badminton history. Liu's dynamic career, coupled with his humorous camaraderie with fellow players like Hendra Setiawan, highlights not only his athletic prowess but also the camaraderie and sportsmanship that make badminton a truly remarkable sport.