CHINA – Zheng Bo kicked off National Team

According to several news agencies in China, top mixed doubles player Zheng Bo has been kicked off the Chinese National Team by China’s head coach Li Yongbo. It is reported that ill-discipline and misconduct towards the coaching team cost the two-time All England champion his place on the team.  It remains unknown whether the Chinese shuttler will be kept away or taken back later in the year but some local news sources have hinted that the 27-year-old might be retiring after the sacking.

Zheng and Ma Jin were the best Chinese mixed doubles pair for a year after Gao Ling retired and his departure from the Chinese team would be a blow for his compatriots as he still holds an important position in the team, even if Tao and Zhang have since done well recently in international events. His absence from the upcoming Thomas Cup will not penalize China as he is no longer a men’s double player and the mixed event is the only one not needed for the Thomas and Uber Cups.