Overview
- Lai fell in the semifinals to world No. 1 Shi Yu Qi, taking the first game 21-13 before losing 22-20, 21-16 after a successful challenge overturned a crucial late point.
- He held three match points in the second game against Shi, who went on to claim the gold medal.
- The Canadian secured a podium by upsetting 2021 world champion Loh Kean Yew in the quarterfinals, 22-20, 21-18.
- Earlier rounds included a win over 11th seed Lu Guangzu and a straight-sets victory against Jeon Hyeok-jin.
- Both semifinalists receive bronze at the BWF World Championships, with Team Canada coach Mike Butler praising Lai for delivering the program’s first medal and pushing the top seed to the brink.