Jayce
As a typical introvert, Jiang Zhenbang is socially anxious in front of others, but behind the scenes, he is a clever and shrewd person. In many typical scenarios, when Jiang Zhenbang and his partner Wei Yaxin face the camera for photos, everyone says that Jiang Zhenbang appears expressionless. He always insists, “I am smiling! Can’t you see the corners of my mouth are raised?”
Jiang Zhenbang
Switching between Social Anxiety and Social Boldness
MBTI test results showed that you are an extrovert. In what ways do you think you are extroverted?
Actually, I don’t really understand this MBTI stuff. My result came out as ENFP, and some of it fits me quite well. For example, I have a dual nature, constantly switching between social anxiety and social boldness. I might turn introverted around extroverts and extroverted around introverts, a bit of both. I’m generally easy-going and optimistic. After reading a bit about it, I think most of it fits me well.
What was your first impression of Yaya?
She is someone who is very energetic, passionate, and unwilling to give up on the court.
Quickly turn your clever brain and answer quickly! Describe your partner in five words!
Talented, naturally beautiful, hardworking, brave, and a hero among women.
If you could, what would you say to your younger self who moved from Guilin to Shanghai?
I don’t have much to say. Looking at the current situation, the choices I made as a child were pretty good.
Can you speak dialects? Guilin dialect or Shanghainese?
I can speak Guilin dialect, and a little bit of Shanghainese.
Jiang Zhenbang, which match has left the deepest impression on you so far?
The most impressive match was the final of the Swiss Open. That was a crucial match for us when we first started competing.
Jiang Zhenbang
The Bag Filled with Abacuses
Jiang Zhenbang, which breed of cat do you think you resemble the most?
I think I resemble a tabby cat, the kind that’s very clever and smart, like the one who sat next to me during my college entrance exam.
What’s in your bag?
There used to be a golden abacus in my bag, for calculating how to make big money. But it seems to be lost now; I can’t find it anymore.
Follow-up question, do you really think you’re smiling in these photos? (Shows him a few group photos)
Not smiling? The corners of my mouth are clearly raised! You can use a ruler to check; they must be curved.
Jiang Zhenbang, why do you always make a fist while taking photos with Yaya?
I take photos very casually. I make a fist more often because I think making a “peace” sign looks a bit silly.
Why don’t you like to smile?
It’s not that I don’t like to smile; maybe it’s just that people don’t see me smiling.
Aspiring to Become a Hexagonal Warrior
How do you keep your smash machine running well? Is it because you are not picky with food? How do you maintain a lean but powerful smashing machine?
I probably have high standards for my physical training. I want to become a hexagonal warrior!
If you weren’t playing mixed doubles, which event would you prefer? Why? If you played men’s doubles, who would you like to pair with?
If I wasn’t playing mixed doubles, I would prefer to try three-on-three matches. Watching the China Badminton Super League’s three-on-three games was exciting and interesting. If I played men’s doubles, I would want to pair with Xiao Pang (Li Junhui) to experience playing at the net and letting him do the hard smashes, as mixed doubles can be quite exhausting.
How do you feel about the phenomenon where you and your partner communicate less and get sulky during disadvantaged situations?
Compared to when we first started, we’ve improved a lot. Previously, we wanted to help each other but might have made things worse due to our own abilities. Now, we try to do our best individually and then solve problems together on the court more reasonably.
Do you want to go to Paris?
Of course, everyone wants to go to the Olympics. We’ll work towards it as a goal, taking one step at a time, but we won’t let it become a pressure.
You previously mentioned your goal was to enter the top ten, which you’ve now achieved. What’s your next goal?
I want to win a world championship title.
Jiang Zhenbang
Can You Feel Your Partner’s Emotions on the Court?
During matches and training, can you feel your partner’s emotions? How do you deal with your partner’s various emotions? Do you think your handling skills are gradually improving?
I can feel my partner’s emotions quite clearly because Yaya is very dedicated to each shot and sometimes gets stubborn. I might try to adjust the atmosphere and keep myself steady, ensuring that both of us don’t get too worked up. Through gradual accumulation, our ability to adjust directly with each other is improving.
When you make mistakes on the court, what measures do you take to cope and solve them? What goes through your mind when you make gestures or spin your racket after missing a shot?
When I make a lot of mistakes on the court, I first adjust my mindset and lower the requirements for my shots. When I make gestures, I’m usually scolding myself: “How could you miss that shot?”
Spending to Celebrate and Console
What do you do after winning a match? Do you have any celebration routines? What do you do after losing a match?
After winning, I reward myself by buying something I like or having a good meal. After losing, I might also spend some money to console myself.
Do you prefer Shanghai cuisine or Guilin cuisine? Do you think your taste is more like Guilin or Shanghai? Do you prefer strong flavors or mild ones? Can you eat spicy food? Do you love eating noodles? What’s your favorite food? Kang Zai says you eat more than him. Do you think your appetite is the largest in the team?
I now prefer Guilin cuisine, but after staying in Shanghai for a while, I also like Shanghai flavors. My taste depends on my mood; sometimes I don’t want any spice, and sometimes I need it. Noodles are my go-to when I don’t know what to eat. I can’t pick a favorite food because I’m not picky. Compared to others, I might eat slightly more, but I think there are many in the team who can eat more than me.
Who is cuter, you or your partner?
My partner is cuter. It doesn’t seem appropriate to describe myself that way.
Who is your closest friend in the national team?
I hang out the most with A Feng (He Jiting), Fei Zai (Huang Kaixiang), and A Bai
You don’t seem to smile much, sometimes looking a bit goofy on the podium. Is your smile point very high? Is there anything recently that you find particularly funny?
My smile point is probably average. I might create more funny moments to make others happy. Recently, something amusing was buying a canvas bag that suits my style.
Do you read Weibo regularly? What do you think when people say you don’t smile much?
I do read Weibo sometimes. Many times, maybe I just don’t smile when I’m in front of the camera.
