Beijing: After she was left out of China’s 2012 London Olympics squad in favor of Li Xuerui, World No. 9 women’s singles player Wang Shixian of China was yet again left out of the 2016 Olympic squad when she was not listed amongst 15-player roster named for the Rio Games on Monday.
Chinese team’s decision to leave out World No. 2 and London Olympic women’s doubles champions Zhao Yunlei and Tian Qing was also a major surprise. The World No. 7 pair of Luo Ying/Luo Yu has been chosen to play in Rio instead.
“I received the notification few days ago. I totally respect that decision since Zhao Yunlei has to play in mixed doubles also, it’s hard for her to compete in two events simultaneously,” said Tian Qing.
“I’m already mentally prepared to be excluded from the selection,” added Tian Qing.
As for men’s singles, two time Olympic Champion Lin Dan is in quest for a record third Olympic men’s singles title, while Chen Long is hoping for good outing in the Olympics.
In men’s doubles competition, although Fu Haifeng has won the 2012 Olympic gold medal with Cai Yun, he will be seeking his second Olympic title with his new partner – Zhang Nan in Rio.
Meanwhile, Zhang Nan could experience extreme physical challenges in the Olympic competitions, since he has to partner Zhao Yunlei in the mixed doubles as well. However, the defending champions remained incredibly calm, poised, and confident ahead of the Rio games.
Here is a list of badminton players for 2016 Chinese Olympic squad:
Men’s singles: Lin Dan, Chen Long
Women’s singles: Wang Yihan, Li Xuerui
Men’s doubles: Zhang Nan/Fu Haifeng, Chai Biao/Hong Wei
Women’s doubles: Yu Yang/Tang Yuanting, Luo Ying/Luo Yu
Mixed doubles: Zhan Nan/Zhao Yunlei, Xu Chen/Ma Jin
