Behind the Finals: The Story of the Warm-Up Arena at the Thomas and Uber Cup

In team competitions, anything can happen. While individual strength matters, the ultimate victory often hinges on one’s determination and the immense cohesion within the team. Before the match, no one can predict how the five matches, best of three, will unfold, or which moment will be the turning point. Chengdu witnessed the Thomas and Uber Cups being reclaimed by China, with each team member showcasing their brilliance, forged through a journey of trials and triumphs. Their individual performances and team unity encapsulate the spirit of badminton team competitions and the essence of the Chinese badminton team. Let’s take a glimpse behind the scenes of the warm-up arena on the finals day:

Chen Yufei’s Opening Victory

Chen Yufei defeated Mariska 2-0, giving China a strong start in the finals. After finishing her post-match interview, she happily returned to the warm-up hall.

Coach Luo Yigang, who had been waiting at the entrance, high-fived Yufei with excitement, saying, “Hey, you’re back.”

Post-Match Review Tradition

After each match, coaches conduct a review—a long-standing tradition of the Chinese team. Yufei listened to Coach Luo’s analysis while adjusting the kinesiology tape on her waist.

Meanwhile, “Fan Chen” (Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan) had just taken the court, and He Bingjiao was warming up.

He Bingjiao’s Preparation

Players usually warm up according to their own needs. Bingjiao began her warm-up drills with Sun Feixiang.

Zhang Shuxian Resting

Zhang Shuxian, covered with a towel, was resting, with a newly received gift, a strawberry bear, by her side.

Nearby, Han Yue was meditating. For players, the ability to calm their minds before a match is a skill honed through extensive experience.

Fan Chen’s Victory

Fan Chen secured another point for China with a 2-0 win. Post-match, everyone teased Chen Qingchen about her extensive mental preparations: “What if my hands feel like an icebox tomorrow? What if, hypothetically, maybe… You’re too scared!” Chen responded confidently, “Then I’ll face it head-on.”

Chen Yufei’s Superstition

Chen Yufei, after running back from the court, quickly changed out of her “champion T-shirt,” saying, “I think Bingjiao’s first game was my fault. I wore this shirt too early. I need to take it off. It’s my fault. I’m sorry!” She ran back to the court, and Fan Chen decided to wait before putting on their shirts too.

Zhang Shuxian and Liu Shengshu’s Warm-Up

Zhang Shuxian and Liu Shengshu started their warm-up drills, guided by Coach Jiang Jingzhen.

Celebrating the Uber Cup Victory

After He Bingjiao’s 2-1 comeback win, the Chinese team celebrated their Uber Cup victory, capturing the precious moment together.

Preparing for the Award Ceremony

Before the award ceremony, the team donned their champion pink T-shirts. Chen signed Wang’s shirt as part of the celebration.

Congratulations from Huang Yaqiong

Huang Yaqiong congratulated the team on their Uber Cup victory.

Shi Yuqi’s Return

Shi Yuqi, who secured the first point in the Thomas Cup final, returned to the warm-up hall to a round of applause, humbly muttering, “Lucky, lucky.” Coach Sun Jun warmly shook his hand.

Post-Match Analysis with Coach Sun Jun

Shi Yuqi discussed his on-court thoughts with Coach Sun Jun during their post-match analysis.

Supporting Teammates

Shi Yuqi and Lei Lanxi watched Liang Wang’s match, applauding at key moments. Coach Yang Ming was also observing from the back.

Li Shifeng’s Encouragement

Despite losing 1-2 to Jonathan, Li Shifeng received encouragement and high-fives from his teammates and coaches. Coach Sun advised him to change his wet clothes to avoid catching a cold.

Superstition and Science

As Liang Wang took the court, Lu Guangzu and Coach Qiao Bin started warming up near the entrance. Shi Yuqi suggested, “The last one who trained here lost. Let’s move to the middle.” Coach Qiao laughed, “Wow, you’re so superstitious?” Coach Sun added, “It’s not superstition, it’s science.”