149cm Tall Yang Yu-Chi Moved to Tears After Facing Tai Tzu-Ying

Jayce September 6, 2024 5 0

Yang Yu-Chi lost 16-21, 17-21 to Taiwan’s top player, Tai Tzu-Ying, in the Taipei Open Super 300 series today. Since Yang is set to retire after this tournament, today’s match was her last. After the game, she couldn’t hold back her emotions and cried, expressing that she had no regrets facing Tai. “I’m so thankful she played her best against me,” Yang said.

The 23-year-old, ranked 135th in the world, stands at only 149 cm tall. She joined the badminton team in elementary school, hoping to grow taller and pursue her love for the sport. Despite her small stature, she advanced to the elite level at the age of 17. Yang admits that her height has made the journey difficult: “It’s been tough, but I accepted the challenge. This is the test that life gave me, and I’m so happy I made it through today!”

Yang fought her way through the Taipei Open qualifiers and defeated Hungary’s Agnes Korosi in the previous round. She laughed, saying that she was thrilled when she saw the draw and knew she had to seize the chance to face Tai Tzu-Ying. “Tai is truly incredible,” Yang said, adding that she couldn’t predict Tai’s shots, as it felt like she was performing magic on the court.