Former world number one Shi Yu Qi has applied to the Badminton World Federation (BWF) for a protected ranking as persistent injuries threaten to send him tumbling down the world rankings.

The Chinese badminton star has endured a difficult period due to recurring physical problems, with serious shoulder and back injuries reportedly forcing him to bring his 2026 season to an early end.

The 30-year-old has formally requested protected ranking status to preserve his ranking position after withdrawing from the entire European leg of the BWF World Tour, including the Arctic Open, Denmark Open and French Open.

His latest setback follows a disappointing run of results, including first-round exits at the 2026 World Championships and the China Masters. The combination of injuries and declining results has also fuelled speculation about his long-term future in professional badminton.

If approved, a protected ranking could help Shi Yu Qi maintain access to major tournaments while focusing on medical treatment and rehabilitation. The move would give the former world number one an opportunity to recover physically and prepare for a potential return to competitive action in the 2027 season.

For now, his priority appears to be regaining full fitness after an injury-disrupted campaign, with his future prospects likely to depend on his recovery and ability to return to his previous level.