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Olympic Badminton 2024: Top Takeaways

Filled with moments of triumph and heartbreak this Olympic tournament had everything a fan could have asked for: intense drama, passion, and romance. In the end it felt like the “right” players were standing on the podium.

Mixed Doubles – Romantics Assemble!

ZHENG Siwei and HUANG Ya Qiong’s performance was nothing short of spectacular as they upgraded from Tokyo Silver to Paris Gold without dropping a single set. In the final they decisively beat KIM Won Ho & JEONG Na Eun to complete their collection of major titles.

There was a romantic flourish after the medal ceremony when Ya Qiong was ambushed by LIU Yuchen who went down on one knee, promised to love her forever and offered her a Darry ring. It was a beautiful moment and an absolute tearjerker.

Yuta and Arisa had wanted Gold but in the end they defended their Bronze well.

Men’s Singles: Viktor Victorious Again

I completely underestimated Viktor Axelsen’s ability to repeat his Tokyo success. His fitness, tactical acumen and will to win was faultless. Kunlavut Vitidsarn is the current World Champion and played beautifully throughout the tournament until he came up against Viktor in the final. He was bulldozed into Silver by the Dane who never allowed him to get his counterattack going. Viktor was formidable and an absolute credit to badminton in his sporting treatment of rivals and his interactions with fans.

LEE Zii Jia travelled to Paris aiming for Gold but in the end had to settle for Bronze. When he reviews his performance, he can be proud of his success. On the way to his medal, he demolished Anders Antonsen – one of the pre-tournament favourites – and came from behind to beat Lakshya Sen in the Bronze medal match. I hope this makes him hungry for glory in Los Angeles in 2028.

SHI Yuqi arrived in Paris as the top seed but faltered early and was destroyed by Kunlavut. It was a shattering loss as he has been playing so well all year. He could not get his game to flow.

Men’s Doubles: The Dormant Champs Reactivate

LEE Yang and WANG Chi-Lin’s victory was like an epic story of superheroes from ancient legend. The mighty champions of Tokyo have been VERY low profile over the past three years, but they heard the call of Gold and reignited at the Porte de la Chapelle Arena. After negotiating their escape from Group D, it was starting to look like their bond with the Gold medal was unbreakable; and despite a white-knuckle ride through the final they eventually overcame LIANG and WANG over three sets to defend their title.

Aaron CHIA and SOH Wooi Yik’s battle for Bronze was a nail biter. They were pushed to the brink of defeat by Kim Astrup and Anders Rasmussen but managed to claw their way back into the match and eventual victory. The Danes deserve credit for a strong tournament even though there was no medal in the end.

Women’s Doubles

CHEN Qing Chen and JIA Yi Fan have been relentlessly pursuing Olympic Gold and like their compatriots in XD the upgrade from Tokyo silver was well deserved. Their aggression and precision overwhelmed opponents who could not knock them off the path to the top of the podium. It turned out that it was nearly Pneumonia that defeated their campaign as they revealed that Yi Fan had been in hospital and unable to train not long before the games. Her resilience and determination to get back on court with her partner was rewarded when they triumphed over LIU Sheng Shu and TAN Ning in the final.

In the Bronze medal match the Japanese pair Nami Matsuyama and Chiharu Shida emerged victorious over Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralitharan. Despite the Malaysian’s valiant effort the Japanese duo found an extra gear when it mattered and grabbed a place on the podium.

Women’s Singles

AN Se Young arrived on court as the hot favourite for Gold despite struggling with injury since the last Asian Games. Her mental resilience and all-round game saw her through a tough campaign to the final with unbreakable self belief. In the final she defeated HE Bing Jiao to become the first Korean woman to win this Olympic title since BANG Soo-Hyun in Atlanta. With her current form, it is easy to see her dominating women’s singles for years.

Veterans Ratchanok Intanon and TAI Tzu Ying were both competing in their fourth Olympics. After May’s victory over her close friend Tzu Ying, TAI revealed that her injuries had been so severe that she doubted she could even walk onto the court. May was eventually beaten by Gregoria Tunjung who went on to win Bronze and is poised to challenge hard for titles in the coming years.

Top Takeaways

The Olympics is traditionally a showcase for athletic excellence and this tournament delivered in all sectors. There was an unmistakable poignancy to some of the matches in the Arena and the feeling that it was the end of an era. Some of the outstanding players of this generation have run out of time to be Olympic Champion. Carolina’s heartbreaking exit in the semifinal emphasised the fine lines between triumph and disaster in sport. The younger generation will get more chances to shine and should use disappointment in Paris to fuel performance in LA.

If you enjoyed this then take a look at my celebration of MayTAI; the El Classico of the badminton world https://womensbadminton.co.uk/2023/04/09/tai-tzu-ying-ratchanok-intanon-maytai/

If you are a fan of Malaysian badminton here are two sites you will enjoy https://badmintoniacs.wordpress.com/ or why not try Shuttlehard which you can find on social media channels.

Please ask permission to repost and/or alter any of my work. Without prejudice I explicitly do not give permission to sportsnews or cabron tv to use any of my work.

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Pearly & Thinaah: Into the Olympic Semifinals

In a brutal demolition of their Korean opponents Pearly Tan & Thinaah Muralitharan made history as the first Malaysian WD pair to reach an Olympic final. Wow, did they deserve this win.

There was a focus and intensity about the pair of them right from the start. This was a death or glory tie, and they made the choice to go for glory. The first set went by in a flash. The attack was slick and the defence held steady. There was a quiet confidence about them as they went toe-to-toe with the Tokyo bronze medalists. One up 21-12. How would the Koreans respond? This was an unbelievable start.

Korea began the second set in a more composed way. The serve alternated as no-one was able to build momentum. 4-4. 5-5. 8-8. Then something flicked the attack switch inside Pearly and Thinaah’s game brains – the semifinals were calling, and they could not ignore the temptation to go for it.

Pearly in particular was adept at moving her opponents around to gain space to attack. She was always searching for angles to exploit. Thinaah was her reliable back-up. Nothing got past her. The Koreans started to run out of ideas as Malaysia edged ahead into the interval just ahead 11-8.

They were unrelenting as they played for a semi-final place. The score kept ticking up and they were so smooth in their partnership. The understanding between them and their faith in their strategy was incredibly resilient. Kim/Kong were still fighting hard and managed to claw back some points.

At 12-13 I was a little concerned as Pearly seemed to be having a minor hamstring twinge; suddenly the Koreans were level 13-13. Was this the anticipated fight-back?

Fearless and brave the Malaysian pair took deep breaths, refocused, and found a higher level. Their rivals were pressured into unforced errors; they were misjudging the drift, and their challenge was starting to fade. Pearly and Thinaah were hungry for points. They had not stepped on court to indulge the Korean’s love of long rallies. They were direct and determined. Still the score kept advancing in their favour.

There was nothing that Kim/Kong could do to counter this persistent attack. As the set progressed, they faded. As they faded, Pearly and Thinaah grew. 18-13, 19-13, 20-13 match point. Surely nothing could stop them now. Never in doubt! 21-13. What a performance.

If you enjoyed this then take a look at the article written by my friend Rene Biaoli http://badmintoniacs.wordpress.com

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Olympic Badminton 2024: Women’s Singles

Adventures in anxiety await us all as the intensity of the Olympic competition plays out. Will CHEN Yu Fei defend her title? Can TAI Tzu Ying or Marin cajole their tired muscles for one last effort? Is this really AN Se Young’s medal to claim?

Who will make the step up from good to great to Gold?

Artwork by kind permission of Amelia Parkes Cordock

Quarterfinal Showdowns

This edition of the Olympic WS has some brilliant players: from battle-hardened veterans at their fourth Olympiad to some first-timers. They are all at La Chapelle Arena ready to showcase the best version of themselves and aim for glory.

AN Se Young and Akane Yamaguchi

About a year ago AN Se Young was destined to completely dominate women’s badminton but since her knee injury she is not invincible. She is favourite for the Gold here, but the constant pressure of high-level matches will be a big test. After the group stage she gets a bye into the quarterfinals and is likely to face Akane Yamaguchi, who has experienced her own injury problems. Akane at her best could get into the semifinal. I watched their match at the All England this year and AY’s refusal to concede was extraordinary. If she can bring that indomitable belief to the court, she will not be beaten. At the start of the National Team training camp in July she was playing down her chances of regaining her peak fitness though, so the early group stages should give us an idea of what level she can achieve.

TAI Tzu Ying and Gregoria Tunjung

TAI Tzu Ying and Ratchanok Intanon encounter each other early on – in Group E – but only one can progress to the knockouts. Many neutrals will be wistful about the lost opportunity for these two to play each other later on in the competition. Both are drawing their dazzling careers to an end; both would grace any Olympic podium. The reality is that both have suffered quite bad injuries this year so that may affect what either can accomplish- nevertheless it will not blight their ambitions .

The winner of their group will probably face Gregoria Tunjung who has the shots and the speed to go deep into the competition. She must maintain her mental resilience if she is going to get on the podium – she is a definite dark horse. It could be her time. Read more about her here https://womensbadminton.co.uk/2023/04/03/gregoria-mariska-tunjung-anything-is-possible/

Ayo Ohori and Carolina Marin

Ohori has had an excellent 2024 and has reached her highest ever ranking (10). Although she is not widely seen as a medal contender, she has a reasonable draw and is fit. Her victory at the Thailand Masters back in February was over 3 sets and 80 minutes so she shouldn’t have too many problems in an attritional slow hall.

Meanwhile, Marin is determined to win back her Gold from Rio. She is the most focused competitor, but it’s asking a lot eight years on to repeat the win. I would never bet against the Spaniard but at the French Open this year she underachieved by her own standards (lost in R32) however she then bounced back to win the All England in the following week.

CHEN Yu Fei and HE Bing Jiao

Can the defending champion retain her medal? Given her win against AN Se Young at the Indonesia Open a few weeks ago, it looks like she has a good chance. However, first she must navigate a probable QF with her compatriot HE Bing Jiao. It’s possible for HBJ to pull off an upset, but the odds are stacked against her. Not least because CHEN knows exactly what it takes to grab gold and can gain a lot of positives from her recent victory. In that game she pushed and pushed: not content to simply return the shuttle, she went for the lines, stayed positive and got her reward. This could be a possible strategy if she has to face the Korean in the SF.

Top Takeaways

Injuries and the draw have made this a very open competition. Success will depend on who can adjust to the stadium conditions and stay fit enough to keep going. It would be a dream come true to see TAI Tzu Ying at the top of the podium: she may get there but she needs to avoid grueling games and I don’t think that will be possible. Gregoria has an outside chance of a medal but it is difficult to see beyond a CHEN Yu Fei or AN Se Young success in Paris.

If you enjoyed this then take a look at my preview of the Men’s Singles herehttps://womensbadminton.co.uk/2024/07/24/olympic-badminton-2024-mens-singles/

Please don’t repost my work in other formats without my permission.

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Olympic Badminton 2024: Men’s Singles

Who can make the step up from good to great to Gold?

Quarterfinal Showdowns

Kunlavut Vitidsarn and SHI Yuqi

Shi Yuqi’s journey to the final is fraught with peril. His side of the draw (Groups A-H) is stacked with rivals capable of derailing his campaign. There are so many standout players that the risk of mutual exhaustion as they battle each other for semifinal spots is real. To succeed, it’s crucial for competitors to focus on the next match, stay healthy, and keep pushing forward.

Kunlavut Vitidsarn, the current World Champion, has seen his form dip due to illness and injury. If he can overcome Kenta Nishimoto or Brian Yang, he is likely to face SYQ in the quarterfinals. Their head-to-head record favors Yuqi, especially considering his victory over Vitidsarn in March in the same arena. This sets up China to potentially have at least one player in the semifinals.

Anders Antonsen V LEE Zii Jia or Anthony Ginting

Anders Antonsen is a formidable contender, capable of outthinking and outperforming most of his rivals. The draw has been kind to him, as he only needs to play two matches in Group E before advancing to the quarterfinals. Assuming LEE Zii Jia tops Group G, he will likely face Anthony Ginting for a chance to challenge Antonsen in the QF for a semifinal spot. Ginting, an Olympic Bronze medalist, knows what it takes to perform under pressure. But,LEE Zii Jia is a dynamic player who could significantly influence the tournament’s outcome.

The battle for the quarterfinal and semifinal spots could mentally and physically exhaust these men. If LZJ finds his flow, he could beat SYQ for a final spot. So, who from the other side of the draw might he face?

Viktor Axelson and LI Shifeng

Viktor Axelsen, the defending champion, has been a major force in badminton for years. He has been careful to manage his mental and physical load over the past few months. Only time will tell if he has the fitness to reach the final. He will likely be wary of a potential quarterfinal clash against China’s LI Shifeng, a well-balanced player with strong support staff, including CHEN Long. The winner of this match will face a semifinalist from Groups I-L.

Group L: “The Group of Punishment”

Group L feels like an undeserved punishment. Jonatan Christie, seeded three, has to play three matches with no bye in the Round of 16, compared to Anders Antonsen, seeded four, who only plays two group matches and has a bye into the quarterfinals. This system needs reform as it’s unfairly loaded. Christie’s group includes Lakshya Sen and Kevin Cordon. If Sen hits his stride, his aggressive attack style makes him a significant threat for a medal. Cordon had a dream run in Tokyo but replicating that will be challenging. The draw likely leads to a Round of 16 match between Christie and Prannoy, followed by a quarterfinal with Naraoka. The Japanese athlete is brilliant at chasing lost causes, applying pressure and forcing wins. Prannoy or Christie could prevail, but they must preserve stamina so avoiding ridiculously prolonged group matches is key.

Top Takeaways.

The path to Gold will be full of intense battles with high stakes matches. Identifying the contenders amongst the pretenders is a tricky task especially in an atypical tournament. I think the title will go to a player in SHI Yuqi’s side of the draw so long as they don’t destroy each other on the journey to the final. SYQ is the favourite and the prospect of an all-China final is on the cards. In my opinion, Antonsen is the athlete who could disrupt this but I wouldn’t bet against LEE Zii Jia or Anthony Ginting. Stay tuned as the drama unfolds!

Women’s singles review coming shortly

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Global Shuttle: Istora, Singapore & Birmingham.

Each year I go to the All England in Birmingham to enjoy the superb quality of play. However, I have long been curious about tournaments held in the heartland of Badminton – Asia – so this year I elevated my fandom to new levels; resigned from my job, packed my case, and satisfied some long-held ambitions.

This is my personal albeit brief account of my visit to a S750 in Singapore and the Indonesia Open (S1000) with a few comparisons with the All England. Lets be honest; few people go on holiday in Birmingham UK.

The All England offers fans the chance to watch the best players competing for one of the most prestigious titles in badminton. Yet, the immense queues to get in and the lack of food choices can be frustrating. It can cost a lot to attend as well so I was eager to find out how other tournaments meet these challenges.

KFF Singapore Badminton Open 2024

We only have to look at the tournament winners to see that it featured many athletes who are genuine gold medal contenders for this year’s Olympics. The Chinese team were dominant, and the resurgence of SHI YuQi was a joy to watch. There was a focus on letting the matches speak for themselves; unlike the AE there was little ‘cheerleading’ with spectators, or DJs. There were well publicized, professionally managed M&Gs with a variety of players all through the week and it was a genuine thrill to participate in this.

Public transport to the stadium was superb – cheap, clean, and efficient – and I arrived relaxed and happy. Security checks were thorough, but quick as there were lots of officers on duty.

Singapore prides itself on the high quality of its drinking water and while spectators may not take bottled water into the stadium but there are free-to-use drinking fountains to fill your own bottle inside. I thought that this was a brilliant innovation. The food for sale inside was not particularly inspiring especially in the context of the quality/cheapness of food in Singapore malls.

I thoroughly enjoyed the whole tournament and would love to go again someday. I had a season ticket which covered entry for 6 days. It was easy to buy online from the UK and it cost $154SD which is roughly £90. An absolute bargain!!

Kapal Api Indonesia Open 2024

Stepping through the curtain into the arena, I was hit with a pure ‘Wow!’ moment when I realised I was standing only about 5 meters from the players on Court 2. Visiting the legendary Istora has been a dream of mine for a while now and this year I finally made it. Despite some withdrawals I relished watching AN Se Young, SHI YuQi, Anders Antonsen et al. The highlight for me was the dramatic clash between MAN Wei Chong/Kai Wun TEE & LU Ching Yao/YANG Po Han.

It’s surprising that there wasn’t a better overall performance from home players & in fact none made it through to contest a final. This, coupled with the controversy over ticket prices contributed to the low-key atmosphere. Given the context of an average local wage the ticket prices are sky-high leaving some empty seats. Pricing out passionate, knowledgeable fans feels like an own goal. I was disappointed that the VIP category didn’t guarantee a specific seat.

Like in Singapore I used the MRT to get to the arena – it was cheap, cool and clean. While the extra layer of bureaucracy with wristbands and passport checks was a hassle, arriving for the QF sessions after the Friday Prayer break meant no queues. The staff and volunteers were friendly and helpful, and security was efficient.

The food stations at the IO was the best of any arena I’ve been to this year. Not only was there a wide variety of reasonably priced food but also huge screens let me watch the action whilst eating.

I would jump at the chance to watch badminton in Jakarta again. As in Singapore there was no distractions from the action on court and I liked that experience. I think that was probably the last time the tournament will be held in that stadium. It was easy to buy a ticket online from the UK and a VIP QF ticket (ie one day) was RP1050000 so approx £52.

Takeaways

My original plan had been to watch TAI Tzu Ying in both of these tournaments, but she withdrew owing to injury. Despite this, I had the best time and I’m already wondering when I could visit again; maybe adding in Malaysia too. It’s starting to feel like the end of an era. A few of our favourites will be retiring this year and some have already. A badminton scene with no Kevin & Marcus or TTY is hard to imagine. Here’s to happy memories and new adventures in the world of badminton.

Thanks to everyone who encouraged me to visit and who shared their top tips. Special mentions to @ttyings, Ninuk and Veronica.

Carolina Marin

Two titles in two weeks – Marin is riding a fabulous hot streak – will she stay fit enough to challenge for a podium place at the Olympics this summer? The danger that she poses to the Fab Four is real.

The winning moment.
Photo by kind permission of Rachel Drew.

After her recent All England victory CAI Yun analysed some elements of her game and compared her to rivals. He pointed out that as a three-time winner of the World Championships and the current Olympic champion she has nothing to prove at the big tournaments. This can liberate her from the pressure that many top athletes suffer and allow her to play freely.

Spain has world-class tennis players but no big tradition in badminton. Her incredible career achievements put her at the centre of the world of Women’s Singles, but she has often been culturally a little on the fringes. Her partnership with coach Fernando Rivas is key because they were both outsiders – unrestricted by convention- who were open to using new methods to achieve success.

Fitness will play a pivotal role in the outcome of the Women’s Singles tournament in Paris. Her main rivals for Olympic medals are all battling injuries. Akane has just returned to competition, TTY mentioned hamstring problems, AN Se Young’s knee is a bit dodgy, and CHEN YuFei has persistent soreness. Who can maintain their physical condition to vie for Olympic glory? Carolina has recovered successfully from two career-threatening ACL injuries and possesses the emotional strength to move on. Tribute must be paid to the team behind her, who keep her motivated through dark days and the gym grind.

I am always fascinated by her behaviour on court. CAI Yun mentioned this too. She has mastered the art of PsyOps and has been allowed by the badminton establishment to push the boundaries of conduct towards her opponent. She can be quite intimidating; if she were a lawyer, I would want her on my defence team.

Everyone knows about her slightly unnerving shouts but there are other tactics that can disrupt the momentum of a match. Toweling down, and requests for court mopping are completely legitimate in my opinion but there is an undefined point where it becomes ‘too much.’ That is the crux of this – if no one is prepared to say what is too much then why criticize a player who has added it to their armour?

The shuttle is another weapon that Marin uses. It is never ‘out of play’ even if the point has concluded. Often it is not returned directly to an opponent but flicked away off to the side. Just small things that stall the progress of a match can become immensely powerful.

Marin stands poised on the brink of history. She has the mental resilience to surge past everyone and cement her legacy as one of the all-time badminton greats.

Thank you to Rene Biaoli (of https://badmintoniacs.wordpress.com) for kindly translating CAI Yun’s thoughts about Marin’s recent All England win. Thank you to Rachel Drew for allowing me to use her photo of Carolina.

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LEE Zii Jia and Plan B

Now the challenge for Lee Zii Jia and his coaching team is to tap into his incredible talents and help him find his groove again.

2PFH65M Utilita Arena, Birmingham, UK. 17th Mar, 2023. 2023 YONEX All England Open Badminton Championships, Quarter Finals Day 4; Kodai NARAOKA versus LEE Zii Jia in the Mens Singles competition, LEE Zii Jia celebrates winning the match Credit: Action Plus Sports/Alamy Live News

It is essential to keep a frustrating situation in perspective. Remember, not too long ago he was a top 3 seeded player -a testament to his talent and skill – it is crucial to acknowledge that he has not regressed into a sub-par player overnight. Like any athlete there are difficulties and the journey to peak performance can be arduous.

Bringing WONG Tat Meng on board as his coaching director is a statement of ambition. He has a great cv and a broad experience of nurturing players to reach their full potential all over the world. He has come home to Malaysia to use this expertise to strengthen LZJ for the challenges ahead.

And so – for now – we must regard LZJ as dynamic work in progress. He is desperate to show that his sweat on the practice court equals trophies on the show court, but it is a transformational process that has to evolve. He needs more routes to victory when he cannot blast his way past an opponent; so, by reworking his game to incorporate different options depending on the challenges of the match he will become a more resilient player.

WTM must unpick and analyse the elements of LZJ’s game that are not working. They have to refine and enhance. All this against the whirlwind of endless tournaments, unrelenting press pressure and his player’s self-criticism. So, he has identified his first priorities as: consistency, improving ranking and securing qualification for the Paris Olympics next year.

The World Championships are looming, and it is probable that he will be arriving in Copenhagen as an unseeded player. The important thing is not only how far he can advance through the rounds but also the trajectory of his metamorphosis. Will he prolong rallies? What is going to happen to his unorthodox smash? Does he have the physical stamina to go deep into the draw after his recent early exits?

Sun Tzu said that victory comes from finding opportunities in problems. As I reflect on Lee Zii Jia, I firmly believe that he does have the mental agility to innovate and the grit to persevere through difficult times. Champions are not solely defined by victory but by their courage in defeat and determination to overcome any obstacle placed in their path. Triumph over adversity is the ultimate measure of greatness.

If you enjoyed this then take a look at my recent article about WS and the Fab Four https://womensbadminton.co.uk/2023/05/06/badmintons-fab-four-the-womens-singles-players-who-dominate-the-sport/

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Gregoria Mariska Tunjung: Anything Is Possible!

Congratulations to Gregoria Mariska Tunjung for winning her first World Tour title at the Madrid Spain Masters. With her captivating style of play few women’s singles players can command a crowd like her. Watching her in full flow was an absolute delight and this well-deserved success included victories over two former world champions.

Tunjung’s play against Marin and then Sindhu highlighted her exceptional technical skills. Her outstanding touch at the net blends with a sharp strategic vision to make her into a daunting opponent. Her ability to disrupt opponents’ rhythm is rooted in a willingness to use clever deception and finesse which leaves them scrambling to respond. Lately she has added in a new ruthlessness to her shot selection. Her shuttle placement is excellent, so her precise smashing has given her extra options to finish rallies off.

Previously it has been noted that her mental and physical resilience could be further strengthened and recently there has been a discernable shift in her approach which has led to a more consistent performance on court. Back in July 2022 she pulled off a remarkable conquest of Akane Yamaguchi in the QF of the Malaysia Masters in three sets and there was a sense that she was unearthing a new self-belief. Good performances followed leading to an appearance in the final of the Australia Open and high hopes from her fans for 2023.

It’s significant that being ranked in the top 8 can give a major competitive advantage. Gregoria is at her highest ever position: 12, but with perseverance a top ten spot is well within reach.

Soon the qualifying period for Paris 2024 will begin and it looks like she will be meeting upcoming challenges with a new focus. Anything is possible if she manages to incorporate consistency into her game; I’m excited to see what happens next.

Take a look at my recent article about GOH Jin Wei https://womensbadminton.co.uk/2023/04/01/malaysias-goh-jin-wei/

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GOH Jin Wei

Three years after winning gold at the World Junior Championships for the second time GOH Jin Wei hung up her racket in Sept 2021 aged just 21. One of Malaysia’s most promising young players had cut her career short leaving fans and coaches wondering what might have been.

She embarked on a professional career in 2013 and was soon acknowledged as a potential superstar. Just like Akane Yamaguchi – another World Junior Champion – she was unhampered by her diminutive height. Her speed and agility formed a great platform for a dynamic style that forced mistakes and made her into a difficult opponent.

It turned out that her biggest challenge was not a rival she had faced across the net, instead she was having to confront serious health issues which forced her to step away from the courts. The effect on her body of a total colectomy was huge and despite her efforts to minimise the impact of the surgery and the side effects of her medication eventually she had to accept that she was too unwell to handle the demanding training regime at the National centre.

Although GJW had quit the national set up she hadn’t completely walked away from badminton . In fact, by giving herself space she was beginning to see a way forward to manage her health and resume competition. Going at her own pace was effective. She signed a professional contract with Kuala Lumpur Racket Club at the beginning of January 2022.

In a shocking turn of events, she was then issued with a back-dated two-year ban from competing in BWF tournaments. This paralleled the sanctions on LEE Zii Jia following his request to become an independent professional player. Observers were dismayed at the severity of the punishment for actions that in other walks of life would be completely legitimate. On appeal and after high level arbitration, by the end of January the ban was overturned.

After the disruption and emotional roller coaster of her ban she was finally able to focus on playing. She had an encouraging 2022, playing in tournaments from Wales to Bangladesh, gradually accruing points and thus higher ranking. She has fought her way into the top 32 which means that she can enter higher ranking tournaments and most importantly be more selective about what she enters. We see a similar approach from TAI Tzu Ying and Viktor Axelsen; the simple fact is that getting to a QF in these tournaments gets good points.

Following her recent European games concerns have been raised by commentators about her susceptibility to injury, highlighting the need for her to continue to work on her physical resilience. However, it is crucial to look at her performances considering her surgery and the meagre diet she subsists on. In fact, if games are scheduled at an unfavourable time of day, it’s likely that she will be competing on an empty stomach with only fluids for sustenance. I think she is still searching for ways to mitigate the impact this has on her training and recovery.

The Olympic qualifying period begins in May 2023 and she is eyeing the possibility of competing in Paris with optimism bolstered by a renewed sponsorship from Li-Ning. Her journey has been full of obstacles but her determination to overcome these challenges is remarkable. Undoubtedly she is an exceptional athlete with an unwavering dedication to badminton.

GJW has a great YOUTube channel. If you are interested in finding out more about her life then check it out.

If you enjoyed reading this then you may like this article abbout LEE Zii Jia https://womensbadminton.co.uk/2023/03/25/lee-zii-jias-european-tour-2023/

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AN Se Young

An Se Young blazed into January’s tournaments with the eagerness of an athlete who knows that their time to shine has arrived. Fans enjoyed 3 podiums, 2 Gold medals and a blossoming rivalry with Akane that hints at some colossal clashes in the future. I’m keen to watch her play at this year’s All England because the momentum around her is gathering pace. It would not be a surprise to see her step on court on finals day.

Although known as a retriever, this is too simplistic. She possesses a harmonious skill set so her game plans can be liberated from the necessity to compete in a particular way. Her ability to exert unremitting gnawing pressure is the bedrock of her style whilst her talent allows her to gauge when to be patient and when to be aggressive. A couple of years ago I was criticizing her for a lack of consistency. Back then she was often unseeded: she could conquer a top player in an opening round only to fall in the next match. Competing at the highest level exposed the challenge for her of winning four or five hard games in a row.

She has been an absolute menace to the WS status quo over the past twelve months. She has figured out how to stay mentally and physically fresh whilst progressing through a tournament. Resilience is at the core of everything she does. I adore her stubbornness in the face of challenges; the determination to never give up and the self-confidence that her exceptional balance of skills will get her past tough opponents – Olympic champions and world champions are some of her recent scalps. “Fear” has no home in her mental makeup. Even in the face of setbacks she drives herself onwards and it’s this attitude that has let her reach new levels of success.

She is the symbol of the new generation and will be a force to be reckoned with for years to come. At the Atlanta Olympics in 1996 BANG Soo Hyun won gold for Korea in WS, could Paris 2024 see that title return to Korea?

If you enjoyed this take a look at one of my articles about her rival TAI Tzu Ying https://womensbadminton.co.uk/2022/03/02/tai-tzu-ying-at-the-all-england/

Mixed Doubles – Romantics Assemble!

Men’s Singles: Viktor Victorious Again

Men’s Doubles: The Dormant Champs Reactivate

Women’s Doubles

Women’s Singles

Top Takeaways

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Quarterfinal Showdowns

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Quarterfinal Showdowns

Kunlavut Vitidsarn and SHI Yuqi

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KFF Singapore Badminton Open 2024

Kapal Api Indonesia Open 2024

Takeaways

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