Yesterday at the 2024 National Badminton Championships, current men’s doubles stars and world top-ten pair, Liang Weikeng and Ren Xiangyu, were unexpectedly defeated 1-2 (13-21, 21-18, 12-21) by the junior national team players Zhu Yijun and Hu Keyuan.
Zhu Yijun and Hu Keyuan shared that facing such seasoned and skilled opponents, they didn’t focus too much on the outcome beforehand. “We just wanted to focus on our own performance,” they said, “even when trailing in the second game, we decided to take it one point at a time.” Reflecting on their 2-1 victory, Zhu Yijun mentioned, “Perhaps we got a bit lucky to win, but it wouldn’t have been surprising if we lost. We simply wanted to learn from them.” Hu Keyuan added that the loss in the World Junior Championship finals taught him a lot, reinforcing the importance of maintaining self-belief.
After a week of stellar performances, Kim Astrup and Anders Skaarup Rasmussen earned a well-deserved silver medal at the CLASH ROYALE Arctic Open 2024, powered by YONEX.
As the last European representatives in the tournament, the Danish pair faced Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin from Malaysia in a gripping final. The Malaysians had an impressive run, knocking out both fourth seeds Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Ardianto, as well as top seeds Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang to secure their spot in the final.
Astrup and Rasmussen got off to a strong start, winning the first game, but Goh and Nur bounced back, finding their form to take the final in three thrilling games (15-21, 21-15, 21-19).
The dynamic Malaysian duo broke new ground by defeating top seeds Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang of the CLASH ROYALE Arctic Open 2024 for the first time in four encounters on Saturday. Their thrilling comeback victory, with scores of 19-21, 21-17, 21-18, has propelled them into their third final in just five tournaments.
“We prepared thoroughly and didn’t focus on the outcome. Our priority was to perform our best, which proved to be crucial. We maintained our composure and enjoyed the match,” stated Goh after the game.
Today’s clash against defending champions Kim Astrup and Anders Skaarup Rasmussen at the Energia Arena marks the fourth final for the world No. 8s this season. Now competing independently, they have already celebrated victories at the Japan Open and China Open, claiming their first Super 750 and Super 1000 titles, respectively.
“Since reuniting, we’ve greatly enhanced our communication, which has been beneficial for our performance,” said Izzuddin. “While we’re pleased with our play, there’s still work to be done. We need to stay focused for this next challenge.”
Second seeds Astrup and Rasmussen advanced to the final by defeating qualifiers Kittinupong Kedren and Dechapol Puavaranukroh with a score of 21-14, 21-19 in a later match. Despite their strong 6-1 record, the world No. 2 Danes are cautious about their final opponents.
“You can’t depend on just one strategy; it’s essential to be strong all over the court to defeat them. We need to elevate our game one more time to secure a chance,” remarked Rasmussen.
This final marks the first Super 500 for Goh and Izzuddin. They are currently the only Malaysian players or pairs to have secured titles at all three levels (1000, 750, and 300) of the HSBC BWF World Tour.
Ambitious men’s doubles players Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin credit their strong performance this year to their growing trust in each other.
Sze Fei-Izzuddin have been in excellent form recently, clinching their third title in two months at the Arctic Open on Sunday.
The world No. 8 independent pair fought hard to defeat Indonesia’s world No. 6 pair, Fajar Alfian / Rian Ardianto, China’s world No. 1 duo, Liang Weikeng / Wang Chang, and Denmark’s defending champions, Kim Astrup / Anders Skaarup Rasmussen (world No. 2), to claim the title.
Sze Fei-Izzuddin also won the Japan and China Open titles last month, and if they can maintain their hot streak, they will soon surpass the country’s No. 1 and world No. 4 pair, Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, in the rankings.
Sze Fei stated that mutual trust is the key to their success so far, and they are eager to continue their winning ways.
“The key is to trust each other and keep moving forward, keep working hard,” Sze Fei told SPOTV after the match.
“We’ll keep doing what we’ve done over the past few weeks, which is giving our best in every match. There were many tense moments during the games, and it’s crucial that we never lose faith in each other.”
Sze Fei-Izzuddin have no time to celebrate yet, as they are set to compete in the Denmark Open, which begins today in Odense.
Izzuddin knows that maintaining their form in Denmark after a grueling week will be a tough task.
“From the quarterfinals (Arctic Open) onwards, our matches have been difficult. We need to be mentally and physically prepared,” Izzuddin said.
“It’s been a tiring week for us, and we need to get ready for Denmark once again.”
In their first-round match in Odense, Sze Fei-Izzuddin will face Taiwan’s world No. 10 pair, Lee Jhe-Huei / Yang Po-Hsuan, in what will be a challenging test.
If they win, they will likely face Denmark’s world No. 14 pair, Rasmus Kjær / Frederik Søgaard, for a spot in the quarterfinals.
Fast forward two years, and the “Liang-Wang” duo is no longer the same. They have now risen to become the world’s number-one men’s doubles pair, with eight championship titles to their name. Their recent performance at the Paris Olympics truly thrust them into the spotlight, making them a focal point in badminton. They garnered unprecedented attention, so much so that even casual remarks landed them in the trending topics. Interview requests poured in, fashion magazines featured them repeatedly, and despite the supposed off-season, the pair’s lives extended far beyond the court, bringing them experiences that were previously unimaginable.
Now, as they grace the cover once again, still youthful and stylish, they are preparing to embark on a new journey. Returning to their beloved badminton court, they are determined to continue their fight in the new cycle. After all they’ve been through, they’ve never been clearer about their goals: badminton remains their foundation, and striving for great results is their unwavering pursuit!
Paris Finale: The World Takes Notice
The Paris Olympics captivated millions, with the Chinese delegation claiming 40 gold, 27 silver, and 24 bronze medals—a record for an overseas Olympic Games. Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang, as the top seeds, breezed through the group stage and defeated Indonesia’s Alfian/Ardianto and Malaysia’s Chia/Soh in the knockout rounds to reach the finals. Facing the Chinese Taipei pair in the finals, Liang/Wang fought fiercely through tough moments, battling until the last minute of the 76-minute clash. They narrowly lost the decider by two points.
As they stood on the podium at the La Chapelle Sports Hall, the weight of their silver medals brought a mix of emotions—both the pride of earning a silver in their first Olympics and the bitterness of falling short. In the press conference, they managed to smile but spoke from the heart: “This silver medal is our motivation to push forward.”
If the preparation and participation periods of the Olympics were quiet and isolated, the moment they stepped down from the podium, their world turned upside down. Suddenly, the quiet gave way to noise—messages from family and friends, waves of event invitations, and hundreds of unread notifications. Their social media feeds exploded with likes and comments, and more voices and information flooded their lives.
Reading through their phones in Paris, they initially thought this was just the usual post-Olympic buzz. Liang Weikeng recalled, “At first, we thought it was just the Olympic spotlight, with more people paying attention. But we didn’t expect things to heat up this much.”
Back to China: Shocked Upon Arrival
What truly stunned them, though, was the real-world manifestation of this online attention when they returned to China.
On the afternoon of August 7, the Chinese badminton team, having claimed two golds and three silvers, arrived back in Beijing from Paris. As soon as they exited the gate, the sheer number of fans at the airport shocked them. The arrival hall was packed with badminton supporters, so much so that there was barely any space to move a suitcase freely.
Recalling the scene, Wang Chang is still amazed: “When I was pushing my luggage out, I could barely move forward as the crowd started closing in. Soon, my hand slipped from my luggage handle, and thankfully, security helped me get it to the bus.” What followed was the now-viral scene of Wang Chang sprinting to the team bus, trying to evade the chasing crowd. “That moment made me realize that life was about to change in ways I hadn’t expected.”
“Holiday” Life: A Full Experience
For over a month after the Olympics, Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang attended the Chinese Sports Delegation’s debriefing, returned to their respective provinces, and participated in many local activities and meetings. Despite being back home, their schedules were packed, and they barely had two or three days to reunite with family. Their “holiday” was a whirlwind of experiences, far removed from their usual training and competition routines.
Unlike the closed training or traveling for tournaments, this period allowed Liang and Wang to plan their own time. It was a break, but also filled with events, interviews, photoshoots, and even variety shows. Everything was new and exciting for them, yet also busy. “Our horizons broadened, and we met so many outstanding people from different fields,” they said.
From rookies to regulars, their perception of appearing in magazines has changed completely. Wang Chang reminisced, “Before 2023, I had only been on the cover of Badminton magazine. In 2023, we were featured in a fashion magazine once, which left a deep impression. But now, in just one month, we’ve appeared in four or five magazines.”
Constant Hot Topics: The Attention and Its Challenges
With their Olympic fame and skyrocketing popularity, online discussions about Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang multiplied exponentially in the month following the Games. “Every move we make gets amplified. Sometimes even casual remarks, like my famous ‘Are you really that good?’ catchphrase, will trend. I’ve been saying that for years as a joke with close friends, but now it’s blown out of proportion,” shared Liang Weikeng. The increased attention brought them new experiences but also certain challenges.
As their lives changed, they began to understand themselves more clearly. Previously, they were simply athletes, training in closed environments, focusing on performing their best on the court. The court was their stage, while their private lives were relatively hidden.
“Now, it feels a little different,” said Wang Chang. “We’ve become public figures. Even when we’re not on the court, everything we say or do is noticed and sometimes even magnified.”
Wang continued, “When fans ask for photos or autographs at events or matches, we usually agree as long as it doesn’t disrupt the moment. But there are times when it gets overwhelming. Some private moments, like family visits, have been impacted. For example, once, while we were dining in a private room, someone slipped their phone through the curtain to take pictures, which was really unsettling.”
Return to Changzhou: Post-Olympics Debut Draws Attention
In August, the “Liang-Wang” duo skipped the Korea and Japan tournaments. They had already decided, after consulting with their coach, that their first competition after the Olympics would be the China Open in Changzhou. During their busy break, they gradually started physical recovery. Despite frequent events, Liang Weikeng would visit the gym almost daily or every other day, doing light workouts, cycling, or jogging. Though the intensity wasn’t high, years of training had instilled the habit, and maintaining physical fitness is crucial for injury prevention.
“When we chose to take a break, we allowed our bodies to fully rest. There was no pressure to train hard. But considering the upcoming competition, I still did some recovery work, especially to maintain strength, which is key to injury prevention,” Liang explained.
Before arriving in Changzhou, Liang and Wang had been training only half-days, with various activities and travel taking up the rest of their time. In total, they had less than ten full days of practice. Their coach, Chen Qiqiu, mentioned that both he and the players had low expectations for the China Open. Liang Weikeng candidly admitted, “We’re not geniuses. It’s unrealistic to perform well without proper training.” Chen added, “While some top pairs are absent, the competition is still fierce. Given their limited training, our main goals are to stay healthy and see if their understanding of the game has improved post-Olympics.”
On September 17, the China Open kicked off, and the “Liang-Wang” pair faced challenges from the start. In their first-round match against France’s Popov brothers, they staged a comeback from 18-20 to win the first game 22-20 and secured the second game 21-16. However, in the second round, Indonesia’s newly-formed pair, Fikri/Martin, posed a stronger challenge, and Liang/Wang ultimately lost in the decider 17-21, exiting in the second round.
Despite being the world’s top-ranked pair, defending champions, and Olympic silver medalists, their early exit sparked heated discussions.
Liang Weikeng reflected on the result: “We fought hard, but we didn’t have the usual training base and touch. Taking a break had its impact. But on the bright side, we avoided injuries and showed that we can still compete strongly even without full preparation.”
Wang Chang added, “After this month of rest, there were trade-offs. We weren’t at our best physically, and pushing too hard might have led to injuries. I believe staying healthy is important, for ourselves, the team, and our fans.”
Review of the Final: Unrepeatable Tension
Although they didn’t perform well in Changzhou, Chen Qiqiu still saw progress in his two disciples: “I noticed their playing strategies becoming clearer. Despite some mistakes, and although it’s incomparable to systematic training, they now understand how to approach each shot. The direction and coordination are on the right track, and what’s left is refining the completeness. Especially after watching several young pairs in the past two tournaments, the clarity brought by the main pairs’ experience will become more apparent.”
Speaking of progress in strategy, we must mention the men’s doubles final on August 4th. After fighting their way to the final, Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang admitted to feeling nervous and empty-minded when facing the defending champions. Even though they and the coach had prepared thoroughly, watched countless videos, held numerous meetings, and gone through plenty of ups and downs in the past two years, they still couldn’t shake the tension when stepping onto the Olympic final court.
“In the final, there was this blank feeling in my mind — both excitement and nerves. It felt like my first World Junior Championship final, where it was hard to think clearly, and the match seemed to end in a flash. That pressure, that atmosphere, might never be the same again in my lifetime,” Wang Chang vividly recalls that emotional weight and pressure.
Of course, the silver medal was hard-earned. Recalling that moment, Chen Qiqiu said, “I definitely hoped they’d win the title, but this result is something we need to accept. We must recognize the fruits of our preparation and their outstanding performance throughout the tournament. Training and competition are directly linked. I also appreciate the relaxed and joyful energy they brought to the audience, while showcasing their mental fortitude. They have indeed contributed to raising interest in badminton, and we are proud of their effort in winning the silver medal.”
The New Cycle: Staying True to Their Original Intention
After a period of relaxation, especially after the Changzhou tournament, Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang will gradually return to their regular routines. “This past month has been special and is not comparable to future training, competition, and daily life,” is something all three—coach and players—agree on. However, both Chen Qiqiu and the pair admit that the current online environment, public opinion, and their personal lives are vastly different from before the Paris Olympics. The changes are real and rapid, requiring even coaches to take time to understand, experience, and adapt.
The Olympics brought unprecedented attention to them and to badminton, heating up the sport. This is a typical characteristic of the internet era, and positively, it helps promote the spirit of sports. Over this past month, Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang have experienced a more diverse life, feeling the richness that badminton has brought them. But this hasn’t made them complacent; rather, it has made them more clear-headed and determined to focus on badminton.
Wang Chang said, “We’re happy to be loved by so many netizens. Attention to the sport is a good thing, and we hope to give everyone more positive guidance, to be mindful of our words and actions, and to bring more attention to badminton. Actually, there’s no need to change too much deliberately. I think the best promotion is doing well ourselves and playing well.”
Liang Weikeng added, “After going through this two-year cycle, we’re starting over again. We may carry the titles of young world No.1s, Olympic silver medalists, or even social media stars. These labels might cause some changes in our mindset, but what we hope to maintain is the mentality of attacking every opponent on the court.”
Chen Qiqiu often talks with Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang: “Everything happening now can be another source of motivation. The Olympic silver medal is in the past. If you want to step up to the next level, what will that look like? And how will you break it down into stages over these next four years to achieve that goal?”
Even though everything has changed, it hasn’t altered their determination to climb higher and pursue the championship. Wang Chang said when leaving Paris, “I’m heading to Los Angeles next.” So, with that original intention in mind, keep working hard and fighting for a future where the road ahead is always “bright!”
Chen Yufei was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the women’s singles at the Paris Olympics, missing out on a consecutive title. After the match, she announced a temporary break and applied for world ranking protection. Next week, her ranking will surpass An Seyoung, marking her return to the world No. 1 position since March 10, 2020.
The top two women’s singles players have both been absent from competitions for an extended period after the Paris Olympics. Chen Yufei has taken a break from the court, while An Seyoung, following her gold medal win at the Paris Olympics, has suspended her participation due to injury concerns. Their rankings will switch next week, with An Seyoung losing 5,580 points, dropping her world total to 100,337 points, while Chen Yufei will lose 1,800 points, reaching 101,682 points to reclaim the top spot. The third and fourth places are held by Wang Zhiyi from China, Spain’s Carolina Marin, Taiwan’s Tai Tzu Ying, Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi, China’s Han Yue, Indonesia’s Gregoria Mariska Tunjung, Japan’s Aya Ohori, and American-born Zhang Beiwen.
After Chen Yufei‘s return to the world No. 1 position, the Chinese badminton team holds the top ranking in all five events, with Shi Yuqi firmly seated as the king of men’s singles, Liang Weikang/Wang Chang leading men’s doubles, and Chen Qingchen/Jia Yifan and Zheng Siwei/Huang Yaqiong holding the top spots in women’s doubles and mixed doubles, respectively.
On the evening of September 22, the six-day China Badminton Open officially concluded, with the Chinese badminton team achieving four golds and two silvers.
Wang Chang from Zhejiang shared his thoughts on social media, summarizing the tournament. He expressed that both he and his partner always aim to win every match, but finishing healthily is no small feat. For fans concerned about the state of the Liang/Wangduo, he reassured them, saying, “Don’t rush us, we’re training every day.” This quickly became a trending topic.
“Firstly, the China Open has ended, and I have a few reflections to share with everyone.
In our current state, we also hope to win every match. Finishing healthily is not just something we say. From the veterans to more recent players like Chen Long, Fu Haifeng, and Zhang Nan, many have played through injuries and kept fighting. They are all heroes, true heroes who have brought glory to the nation! Injuries are something every professional athlete deals with to some extent. All we can do is give our best effort to overcome them, which is a reflection of the sporting spirit.
Secondly, within the team, we dedicate ourselves to serving communism, following the team’s guidance and leadership, promoting sports and badminton. We hope to bring more people to love the sport, just like how many were inspired by Lin Dan, the Cai/Fu duo, and Chen Long to take up badminton. Lastly, for those asking about my routine, yes, I’ve been delayed for two rounds, but I’m back to regular training starting tomorrow (even when there’s no match, we’re still training every day, don’t rush us, don’t rush us, we train every day).”
The China Badminton Open was the first official tournament for the Liang/Wang duo after the Paris Olympics. After returning to China, they participated in various award ceremonies and interviews, as their popularity surged. Although they continued to train even during variety show appearances, it was more sporadic and lacked the systematic approach they had before.
The saying goes, “Skip one day of training, you notice; skip two, the coach notices; skip three, the whole team knows.” Before the China Open,Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang set their goal as “finishing healthily,” given their recent assessment of insufficient training. They first defeated the Popov brothers 2-0 to reach the round of 16, but then fell 1-2 (19-21, 21-18, 17-21) to Indonesia’s Fikri/Maulana, failing to reach the quarterfinals, which underscored their earlier concerns.
However, competitive sports are always judged by results. After their second-round exit, there was plenty of online criticism that the Liang/Wang duo was distracted by variety shows and business events. Wang Chang’s long post on social media serves as a response, gently reminding everyone that he is fully aware of the situation—”Don’t rush us, we’re training every day”—while also hinting that active athletes attending events help promote the sport of badminton.
After securing the silver medal at the Paris Olympics, Liang Weikeng/Wang Chang’s popularity has steadily increased. From achieving the Olympic silver to participating in cross-industry activities and then making a fresh start, the different experiences have brought much growth to these young athletes. However, they remain clear that athletes can only realize their greatest value on the court, and serving the country remains their unchanging mission.
From Overcoming Setbacks to Perfect Synchronization
Many people know the story of how Liang Weikeng/Wang Chang soared from 444th place to world No. 1 in just 16 months, embodying the essence of perfect synchronization. However, both athletes have faced their own setbacks, and it was during these low points that they became stronger and more appreciative of their victories on the court.
Born in 2001, Wang Chang was the runner-up in the men’s doubles at the 2017 World Junior Championships and the champion at the 2018 World Junior Championships. But after joining the national team, Wang hit a low point, often exiting in the first round with his partner. During this tough period, Wang doubted himself but reminded himself not to rush, knowing that many top players struggled when first transitioning to senior-level tournaments. “After experiencing it, things will gradually improve,” he told himself.
Born in 2000, Liang Weikeng faced multiple defeats after joining the national first team in 2019, severely shaking his confidence and leading to a halt in his training progress. At the end of 2020, Liang was sent back to the newly formed national training team. Motivated by this setback, he decided to start fresh. In one month, he lost 13 kilograms, and by December 2021, he performed exceptionally well in internal competitions, earning his way back to the first team.
In 2022, the national team reshuffled the men’s doubles pairs, bringing together these two previously frustrated but cheerful young players. Starting in May of that year, Liang Weikeng/Wang Chang began competing together, and their collaboration quickly clicked. Wang Chang’s sharp net play combined with Liang Weikeng’s powerful backcourt smashes led them to multiple championship victories, steadily boosting their world ranking.
The Paris Olympics marked their debut on the Olympic stage. They were eager to see the national flag raised and hear the anthem played. But during preparation, they encountered common challenges faced by young athletes. “We were in peak form at first, but after the initial excitement passed, physical fatigue set in,” Liang Weikeng explained. To move more freely on the court and protect his previously injured ankle, Liang embarked on a tough weight-loss journey starting in December of last year. “In the hot March of Lingshui, Hainan, after each training session, I ran in a weight-loss suit in over 30-degree heat,” Liang said. He successfully dropped from 88 kilograms to 77 kilograms.
“He shares his body metrics in the group chat,” Wang Chang said, noting that his partner’s positive changes also motivated him to look inward and address his own weaknesses. “I watch videos of my matches from six months ago, analyzing my progress and shortcomings.” Watching his own match footage has become Wang’s hobby.
Approaching their first Olympics, Liang and Wang maintained a mindset of both ambition and enjoyment. “We must play boldly and give our all on the court,” they set as their goal before the games. In the end, they won the silver medal.
Though losing the final left them feeling down momentarily, the young pair quickly reset their focus on the next four-year cycle.
A New Start in the New Cycle
Last week’s China Open was Liang Weikeng/Wang Chang’s first competition after the Paris Olympics, where they lost 1-2 to the Indonesian pair Fikri/Maulana, exiting in the round of 16.
During the match, Liang and Wang led the Indonesian pair 14-12 in all three games, but couldn’t handle the crucial moments well enough to secure victory. “We didn’t manage our serve reception well. Their serves in the wind-assisted zone were more comfortable, and our connection between the serve reception and the third shot wasn’t smooth,” Wang explained regarding their loss after leading in the deciding game. The competition in the men’s doubles field is particularly fierce right now. Even before the Paris Olympics, Liang Weikeng/Wang Chang, despite being ranked No. 1, didn’t hold a clear advantage over other top-ten pairs, with many matches coming down to performance on the day.
Having experienced the Olympics, Liang Weikeng/Wang Chang understand the increased expectations for them to perform well. But after a one-month break, they’re clearly not yet back to their Olympic form. Recovery will take time, and they will face more challenges along the way.
On September 19, 2024, the second round of the China Badminton Open began. After taking a break following the Olympics, China’s men’s doubles pair Liang Weikeng/Wang Chang were defeated 1-2 by Indonesia’s Fikri/Maulana, missing out on a spot in the quarterfinals. The three-game match ended with scores of 19-21, 21-18, 17-21.
After the match, they said that they always aim to win every game on court, but their current form is not sufficient to achieve that. After the Olympics, transitioning from a state of high tension to relaxation, and now starting over, takes time, and they need to rebuild step by step. Despite the external attention, they emphasized that when it comes to playing, it’s the two of them on the court, so focusing on themselves is what matters most.
Facing his former rival Anthony Sinisuka Ginting, Shi Yuqi suffered a crushing defeat, losing 11-21, 9-21, and ending his journey at the China Open early. In the men’s singles round of 16 on September 19, world No. 1 Shi Yuqi still appeared passive in his performance.
Once upon a time, Shi Yuqi had dominated Ginting, winning 11 of their previous 13 matches. However, this latest defeat marks his third loss to Ginting since his return in 2022. After making his comeback at the World Championships in 2022, Shi Yuqi lost to Ginting in a grueling three-game battle. He was again defeated in the group stage of last year’s BWF World Tour Finals, where Ginting made a comeback. Compared to those matches, this time, Shi Yuqi was dispatched in just 27 minutes, with even his coach Sun Jun, who has trained him since childhood, shaking his head in disbelief from the sidelines.
When he was trailing 3-15 in the second game, Shi Yuqi requested a medical timeout to treat injuries to his left foot and back.
Since his disappointing quarterfinal finish at the Paris Olympics, Shi Yuqi has repeatedly expressed negative emotions. After defeating former world No. 1 Son Wan Ho at the Korea Open, he jokingly remarked, “I, the weakest world No. 1, have finally beaten him today.” When asked about his newly dyed hair, he responded, “I used to be afraid of perming it, but now that I’m close to retirement, why not change it up?” After winning his first-round match at the China Open, he couldn’t help but complain, “I didn’t perform well at the Olympics, so now I’m working overtime. The ones who played well are attending concerts, while I’m stuck here.”
After his second-round elimination, Shi Yuqi, who often speaks sarcastically, commented, “Today’s result was caused by both mental and physical injuries. I think I played pretty well.”
Having competed in three tournaments since the Olympics, Shi Yuqi has expressed confusion about how to change his current situation. He also thanked fans who urged him to rest, saying, “I’m also thinking about whether I should continue or if this is enough.” In the short term, however, Shi Yuqi still has a goal: to qualify for the year-end BWF World Tour Finals. “I need to participate in at least two more tournaments to secure enough points,” he said.
The year-end BWF World Tour Finals, held in Hangzhou, is the last tournament of the season. According to the rules, the top eight players from each discipline, based on their best 14 tournament results, will qualify for the finals, with a maximum of two players (or pairs) per association. Shi Yuqi, currently ranked world No. 1, is fighting for more ranking points.
In this tournament, China’s top three male singles players (Shi Yuqi, Li Shifeng, and Lu Guangzu) were all eliminated early, while Weng Hongyang and Lei Lanxi performed admirably. Weng Hongyang, who defeated Lee Cheuk Yiu in the first round, came from behind to beat Chou Tien Chen 20-22, 21-18, 21-15 in the second round. Lei Lanxi, who previously knocked out Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen, comfortably defeated Kenta Nishimoto 21-8, 21-17.
Additionally, the highly anticipated men’s doubles pair Liang Weikeng/Wang Chang were defeated 19-21, 21-18, 17-21 by Fikri/Maulana, falling short of reaching the quarterfinals.
The final Super 1000 event of the season—the 2024 China Open—is underway. Let’s take a look at some of the past data from this tournament!
There are a total of 10 former champions competing in this year’s event.
One of them is Lee So-hee, who, alongside former partner Chang Ye-na, is one of only two non-Chinese pairs to have won the women’s doubles title in the past 32 years. The other pair is Misaki Matsutomo and Ayaka Takahashi.
Among the players participating in this year’s tournament, only Lee So-hee and the men’s doubles pair Liang Weikeng/Wang Chang have previously won the title as top seeds.
In 1995, the duo Huang Zhanzhong and Jiang Xin successfully defended their men’s doubles title. This year, Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang hope to follow in their footsteps and defend their title.
Men’s doubles is also the event where China has the fewest number of titles, with Indonesia holding the advantage in this category.
Men’s singles top seed Shi Yuqi is eager to make it to the finals; his best performance so far has been reaching the semifinals.
China is experiencing a title drought in the women’s singles category, with the last champion being Li Xuerui in 2015. Wang Zhiyi and Han Yue are strong contenders to break that streak this year.
If Viktor Axelsen wins this year, he will become the first European men’s singles player to defend the title.
Five teams have earned seed spots in events they have never won before—Thailand (men’s singles), Indonesia (women’s singles), Chinese Taipei (women’s singles and men’s doubles), Malaysia (women’s doubles), and Hong Kong (mixed doubles).
China Secures 2 Titles and 3 Runner-Ups at the Hong Kong Open
On the evening of September 15, the 2024 China Hong Kong Badminton Open concluded with China’s national team, fielding a partial main lineup, claiming two championships and three runner-up finishes. On September 17, the Chinese team will head to Changzhou, Jiangsu, to compete in the China Open, one of the highest-level and richest prize money events in the BWF World Tour.
Lei Lanxi Falls Short Against Viktor Axelsen in Men’s Singles Final
In the men’s singles final, Chinese player Lei Lanxi, who reached his first BWF Super 500 final, faced off against Denmark’s two-time Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen. The gap in skill between the two was evident, with Lei losing 9-21, 12-21, missing out on his first major tour title. Despite the defeat, Lei’s performance at the Hong Kong Open was commendable, especially his upset victory over Indonesian star Jonatan Christie in the semifinals.
Interestingly, Lei Lanxi’s first-round opponent at the upcoming China Open will be none other than Viktor Axelsen, the No. 2 seed. This means the two will clash twice in three days, and given the current circumstances, Lei will find it challenging to get past Axelsen.
Han Yue Wins Women’s Singles Title, Ending 11-Month Drought
In the women’s singles final, China’s Han Yue took on Indonesia’s Putri Kusuma Wardani. Han won in straight sets, 21-18, 21-7, to secure her title and end an 11-month championship drought. Han Yue will face teammate Gao Fangjie in the first round of the China Open.
Jiang Zhenbang/Wei Yaxin Claim Mixed Doubles Title
China’s second title came in the mixed doubles event, where Jiang Zhenbang/Wei Yaxin defeated their compatriots Feng Yanzhe/Huang Dongping 2-0. As the third-ranked Chinese mixed doubles team, they upset the second-ranked team to claim the victory. In next week’s China Open, Jiang and Wei will face pairs from Malaysia and Chinese Taipei in the first round.
Liu Shengshu/Tan Ning Disappoint in Women’s Doubles Final
In the women’s doubles final at the Hong Kong Open, Paris Olympic silver medalists Liu Shengshu/Tan Ning struggled and lost 0-2 to Malaysia’s Chen Tang Jie/Thinaah Muralitharan. The “Sheng-Tan” pair will have a bye in the first round of the China Open and will begin their campaign in the second round.
Men’s Doubles Remains China’s Weakest Event
Men’s doubles was the only event where no Chinese player made it to the final at the Hong Kong Open, highlighting China’s struggles in this category. However, there is hope as Olympic silver medalists and China’s top men’s doubles pair, Liang Weikeng/Wang Chang, will finally return to action after a series of post-Olympic activities and rest. As defending champions, they are the top seeds in the China Open and will face France’s Popov brothers in the first round.
