World number one Shi Yu Qi seems to have hit a roadblock in his career whether to take a break from badminton after the Chinese suffered another early exit on his home turf last week.

Shi’s latest setback saw him crash out of the China Open second round after a tame 11-21, 8-21 defeat against Indonesian Anthony Ginting, where he crashed out after only 28-minutes of action.

It comes as the latest disappointment for China's men's singles ace, who has not performed to his high standards since he won the Indonesia Open back in June.

Since then, he lost in straight games to Kunlavut Vitidsarn at the Paris Olympics quarter-finals which surprised many considering his hot streak leading up to the Summer Games.

The 28-year-old did well to reach the Japan Open semis after that, but in Korea he suffered another surprising straight game defeat to Lee Cheuk Yiu in the quarter-finals, before falling in the second round in China.

After that loss, the post-match interviewer told Shi that Lin Dan suggested he take a break for a while.

Shi’s response was, “Maybe it’s necessary, but it is really hard to make a decision, or rather I don’t even know what to do. It’s quite confusing. It’s hard to say what needs to be done to change the situation.”



The World Tour commentator and former shuttler Gillian Glark sympathized with Shi with a heartfelt tribute to the 28-year-old on her social media platform.

“It is so sad and distressing to watch the manner in which Shi lost his second round match at the China Open to Anthony Ginting. On court he looked devoid of his usual fighting spirit, as if he was simply going through the motions.

“After the match both some fans and Lin Dan suggested he should take a break from playing. I hope he is given time and space to decide what he really wants,” said Clark.