CHINA OPEN 2012 R16 – Look who’s back!

Wang Xiaoli and Yu Yang  (photo) made their comeback in Shanghai three months after Yu had slammed the door of international competition, saying on her blog she was retiring. The best pair in the world is now determined to get back to where they belong – the top position.

Raphael Sachetat. Photos (live): Yohan Nonotte/Badmintonphoto

Their names had appeared on a few draws before, but they had never actually played a match until this morning, in Shanghai. In Denmark, they had made the trip but Wang Xiaoli had injured herself. Since this wasn’t made known, the fans were left wondering whether it was just because China Badminton Association had entered the duo before the Olympic controversy.  However the truth is that both her and her partner Yu Yang have their mind set on high level badminton again.

“The Olympic Games was part of our experience, the most unforgettable experience in our life. We were young but after such a big setback, it made us more mature. We believe that in life there are many different experiences, happiness sometimes is very short, but one should overcome it, then restart. I hope the media and fans can understand us. In Denmark, we were set to play, but Wang Xiaoli’s foot was injured, so we had to withdraw. This led to some misunderstanding from the fans and the media. Now, we are back on court, and we hope that our fans will support us even more and we will make sure we reward them for this support,” said Yu Yang (photo) to the Chinese media.

“I now only have a short-term goal that the two of us can develop in an all-round way, because in the team, our personality is very strong. Xiaoli likes to dress up, I like to play handsome. I hope that we can become the team’s comedians, and always bring happiness to the others,” she added.

To celebrate their coming back, the former world number ones beat their compatriots Ma Jin and Tang Jinhua 21-19, 21-18. Oddly enough, Ma and Tang were the only Chinese pair left in the draw – a first for this event held in China as both top and third seeds Tian/Zhao and Bao/Zhong withdrew, and the last pair Cheng/Luo was beaten in the first round. This leaves the road wide open for Yu and Wang, who are now the clear favourites. They will have their hearts set on beating Denmark’s Pedersen and Rytter Juhl (photo), who had been the trouble-makers in the Olympics, beating Wang/Yu’s compatriots and hence shuffling the cards for what was to become the world’s biggest badmintoncontroversy. Conveniently, the Danes are in the same half of their draw.

In the women’s singles draw, China will not leave such a wide road open to their guests as they have scooped half of the quarter-final spots. There were a few surprises though as Jiang Yanjiao was ousted by Han Li in straight and easy games while Wang Shixian was beaten 13-21, 20-22 by qualifier Deng Xuan. The latter will take on Minatsu Mitani, who had clinched the French Open last month. The upper part of the draw will see in-form Juliane Schenk play Wang Yihan while Tine Baun (photo) takes on Ratchanok Intanon.

Sony’s good run ended on Thursday as he was beaten by Wang Zhengming in three games. Chen Long and Chen Jin also made it to the quarter-finals.

All results HERE