Tai Tzu Ying Bids Farewell to Paris, Intanon Heartbroken

Jayce September 6, 2024 3 0

Perhaps it is because they are both artists of the badminton world—complex, entertaining, and at times, creatively quirky—that there exists such a deep, unspoken bond between Ratchanok Intanon and Tai Tzu Ying.

This is why Intanon feels heartbroken over Tai Tzu Ying playing her last match at the 2024 Paris Olympics, not to mention that she herself dealt the final blow, keeping her own hopes for an Olympic medal alive.

Intanon comforts her long-time rival Tai. “We knew this was our last match because she would retire after this game, so it made me very sad,” Intanon said, struggling unsuccessfully to hold back tears. “I had to participate this time because I don’t know if I will be able to compete in the next Olympics in four years.”

“We will miss each other. Our styles are alike; playing against each other is like looking in a mirror.”

“After the match, I told her I was happy we could compete together, and I wished her all the best in the future. She wished me good luck.”

Tai herself was also moved to tears. She was disappointed by the condition of her right knee. For months, she had been plagued by an inexplicable injury, and her physical condition was far from ideal to mount a challenge. She bravely tried to keep up the score, but Intanon’s sharp shots shattered her defense. This outcome was in stark contrast to the last Olympics, where Tai narrowly defeated Intanon in the quarterfinals.

Almost instinctively, Tai understood why Intanon felt almost guilty for defeating her.

“I have played with Ratchanok for a long time, and our styles are very similar. She has also been troubled by injuries.

“I wasn’t prepared for this competition before coming here,” she added. “I knew my condition wasn’t great, but I tried my best. I know many people were cheering for me, but I knew I wasn’t in good shape.”