Badminton: Emergence of ‘new Lin Dan’ may make China awesome again

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PETALING JAYA: Since the retirement of legendary singles shuttler Lin Dan, rivals don’t appear to worry China’s males singles military anymore.

But that would change with the emergence of 22-year-old Weng Hongyang, who upset world No. 8 Jonatan Christie of Indonesia to win the Korean Open title in Suncheon City on Sunday.

In Hongyang, powerhouse China may have discovered the lacking hyperlink to pose a significant menace for Malaysia and the remainder of the groups within the Thomas Cup Finals in Bangkok, Thailand, from May 8-15.

World No. 156 Hongyang, who solely joined the nationwide crew in 2018 and went on to win the China Masters in 2019, might present the back-up wanted for China to make a mark within the Finals.

With former All-England champion Shi Yuqi out of the image, China will likely be banking on veteran Chen Long (world No. 6) and future stars Lu Guangzu (25), Zhao Junpeng (37) and Li Shifeng (64).

China struggled with out Lin Dan and Chen Long within the 2020 Thomas Cup remaining in Aarhus, Denmark, the place they had been shocked 3-0 by former kingpins Indonesia.

It may very well be totally different this time as Hongyang may change into China’s new weapon.

Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) teaching and coaching committee chairman Datuk Kenny Goh mentioned they’d deal with China with warning at this yr’s problem.

“I was told that Hongyang is labelled as the next Lin Dan,” mentioned Kenny. Based on his efficiency in Korea, his presence (if chosen) will add depth to their crew.

“But we’ve always treated China cautiously in every edition. Players like Hongyang may have a stage fright on a big stage.”

All eyes will likely be on Hongyang again within the Korean Masters, which begins in Gwangju City immediately, if he can proceed his profitable methods for a second consecutive week.

Hongyang will likely be aided by the withdrawals of high seed Ok. Srikanth of India, and Thailand duo Kanthaporn Wangcharoen and Kunlavut Vitidsarn in his seek for back-to-back titles and an opportunity to make an impression within the Thomas Cup for China.

Meanwhile, Liew Daren missed one other alternative to impress the selectors after withdrawing from the Korean Masters however Cheam June Wei will proceed urgent for a Thomas Cup spot when he performs qualifier Jeon Hyeok-jin of South Korea within the first spherical.

Another unbiased participant Soong Joo Ven performs Jason Teh of Singapore within the first spherical of the lads’s singles which had 9 withdrawals.



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