The China Open badminton tournament was completed yesterday with four titles going to Chinese players proving that China remains a force to reckon with in the sport. Five events were contested in Changzhou, Jiangsu Province; Chinese players clinched all the titles on offer, including men’s singles, women’s singles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles.
The title of men singles got its final act during a three set victory of Shi Yuqi who is ranked number three in the world against his compatriot Lu Guangzu. The Chinese number 1 and Shi’s betting partner this season played a very attacking game and good court movement to take the title home with the score line of 21-18, 19-21, 21-17. It is Shi’s second China Open title and is a testament to his rising position as one of the game’s best players.
In women’s singles final Chinese players Chen Yufei and He Bingjiao battled for the title, Chen having won the Olympics gold in Rio. Chen, who has been a problem of inconsistency since her win at Tokyo 2020, was at her best as she outclassed He in straight games of 21-18, 21-16. The is easily the biggest victory for Chen as she now focuses on the defence of her Olympic crown in Paris a year from now.
China’s domination in the badminton event was again seen in the women’s double category where the world top ranked pair Chen Qingchen/Jia Yifan. The pair, almost invincible this year, bested South Korean teammates Baek Ha-na and Lee Yu-rim 21-19, 22-20 in a thrilling final. The victory gains the team another triumph in their lists and enhances their positions as favorite to win the Olympic gold.
The mixed doubles final also went to the Chinese as Zheng Siwei/Huang Yaqiong triumphed over their compatriots Wang Yilyu/Huang Dongping. Easily outplaying their opponents, the world number one pair demonstrated their efficiency in both, technique and tactics to enter the final, and again, Jie Yao proofed China’s strength in doubles.
This was the only category that failed to see the host nation clinching it as Indonesia’s Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Rian Ardianto emerged champions in the men’s doubles. But as a whole the Chinese team at the China Open can be seen as a statement of intent for the Asian Games next month and the Olympics next year.
National badminton head coach Xia Xuanze was content with the performance demonstrated by the team and said, “This tournament has been good for our players”. The four titles we have clinched show that we are a force to reckon with in so many fields but there is a lot more to be achieved. It was a grim reminder there remains a lot of hard work to do as preparations progress and we cannot rest on the laurels we have achieved.
The China Open success arrives at the right time for the Chinese badminton as there is stiff competition from other countries such as the Southeast Asians and Europeans. There are more youngsters such as An Se-young from South Korea and Viktor Axelsen from Denmark who have threatened China’s hegemony in the recent past.
In the actual scenario however, the findings in Changzhou imply that China is still the badminton giant, both in terms of talent reservoir and feeder for internationally competitive players. This win will build-up confidence with the national team and will be morale boost to the players as they gear up for next international events.
The matches also offered important points in ranking that will come in handy when the athletes will be selecting players for the Olympics. As Paris 2024 Games comes closer nearly every competition becomes very crucial in the performances of contenders vying to make it into the biggest sporting spectacle in the world.
As the badminton world shifts focus to the Denmark Open and the French Open that are upcoming, it is expected that the Chinese team will perform to the level expected from them. The China Open results are already very high, and the fans and other participants will be interested in how our Chinese players will act in world competitions over the months to come.