Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan’s Split Sparks Controversy-Tai Tzu-ying Continues to Compete

Jayce September 6, 2024 11 0

As the excitement of the Paris Olympics lingers, the global badminton community’s attention swiftly shifts to the upcoming 2024 Japan Open, set to begin on August 20. As the first high-level BWF event (Super 750) following the Olympics, it marks the start of a new Olympic cycle. Notably, pairs like Chen Qingchen/Jia Yifan, Lee Yang/Wang Chi-Lin, and Zheng Yu/Zhang Shuxian are entering the tournament with new partners, while Tai Tzu-ying has chosen to continue competing, ready to take on the challenges of the new Olympic cycle.

1. Tai Tzu-ying Continues to Compete! Can Shi Yuqi Rebound from His Low Point?

Do you remember Tai Tzu-ying, who had vowed to retire before both the Tokyo and Paris Olympics? Her “last dance” has extended beyond the Paris Olympics. Although she suffered an unexpected early exit in the group stage at the Olympics after losing to Ratchanok Intanon, Tai Tzu-ying may well push through another Olympic cycle in pursuit of a major championship title. At the Japan Open, where she is seeded first, she is likely to face her old rival, Ratchanok Intanon, in the second round. Should she avenge her previous defeat, Tai Tzu-ying may have a clear path to the final, especially with the absence of top players like An Se-young, Chen Yufei, and Carolina Marin.

2.Shi Yuqi: Can He Rebound from Recent Challenges?

Shi Yuqi, on the other hand, is facing a major test in his career after a disappointing performance at the Olympics, which has somewhat dimmed his star power among fans. As the top seed, Shi Yuqi will face Taipei’s Su Li-yang in the first round, with no significant challenges expected in the first two rounds. However, in the quarterfinals, he might meet players like Li Shifeng or Jonatan Christie. If he reaches the semifinals, a rematch with Kunlavut Vitidsarn could be on the cards. Whether Shi Yuqi can regain his momentum and lift the gloom remains a point of great anticipation among fans.

3. Doubles Teams Shake-Up: New Partnerships and Fresh Excitement

The Japan Open has seen several doubles teams announcing their split and reformation, adding more unpredictability and excitement to the competition. Indonesia’s young pairs, Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto and Leo Rolly Carnando/Daniel Marthin, have been restructured, potentially creating a new top men’s doubles duo. In Chinese Taipei, Lee Yang’s exit sees Wang Chi-Lin partnering with young talent Chiu Hsiang-chieh. Meanwhile, Yuta Watanabe and Arisa Higashino, who have won bronze at two consecutive Olympics but struggled to break through in major tournaments, have decided to part ways. The Japan Open will mark their final competition together—can they end their partnership on a high note? Watanabe will seek a new mixed doubles partner, while Higashino plans to focus on women’s doubles. Additionally, the once-regular pairing of Seo Seung-jae/Chae Yoo-jung and Dechapol Puavaranukroh/Sapsiree Taerattanachai is now rarely seen, with both pairs set to go their separate ways after this season.

4.China’s Women’s Doubles: New Pairings and Future Prospects

Changes are also underway in the Chinese national team. Liu Shengshu/Tan Ning, who won the silver medal at the Paris Olympics, have shown potential to become China’s top pair, with discussions around building a strong second pair and the overall team structure now on the agenda. Although the Chen Qingchen/Jia Yifan duo remains formidable, age is catching up with them, and the future of China’s women’s doubles requires the infusion of new talent. In this tournament, Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan have split up, with Chen Qingchen partnering with Zheng Yu, and Jia Yifan teaming up with Li Wenmei. This decision has left some fans puzzled, as Zheng Yu is nearing retirement at 28, and Li Wenmei is also not very young. Such pairings could potentially weaken the overall strength of both teams; if the goal is to develop new talent, it might be more effective to pair Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan with younger players. Zhang Shuxian, who has had multiple partners, will compete with Kong Hee-yong in this tournament.

5.Emerging Talent: Young Pairs to Watch

Additionally, young pairs like Li Yijing/Luo Xuemin and Wang Tingge/Wang Yiduo are also emerging, highlighting the urgent need for the Chinese women’s doubles team to reorganize and establish several strong, consistent pairs in the new Olympic cycle.