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Badminton World Federation (BWF)
SportChina

Sudirman Cup: Chen Yufei thanks China teammates after letting them down in final

  • World No 2, who won gold in singles at Tokyo 2020 and China National Games, suffers China’s only defeat in 3-1 win over Japan
  • Chen is supported on social media ahead of Uber Cup, where China’s women are looking for a first success since 2016

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China's Chen Yufei reacts after a point with Taiwan's Tai Tzu-ying in their women's singles badminton final match during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Photo: AFP
Jonathan White

Chinese badminton star Chen Yufei has thanked her teammates for winning the Sudirman Cup after blaming herself for the team’s only defeat in the 3-1 win over Japan.

“I really want to win this victory, and I really tried my best. This game made me feel the feeling of having more than one heart but not enough strength. It means that I still have a big gap, and I am far from strong enough,” the world No 2 wrote on China’s Twitter-like Weibo.

Chen lost to Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi in their singles match to level the scores at 1-1. Despite her loss China would go on to win 3-1 to ensure a 12th win in the mixed team event.

“Thank you. My teammates took me to the championship. Although I am not my best self tonight, it is enough as long as the championship belongs to China,” she added.

Team China celebrates on the podium after winning the BWF 2021 Sudirman Cup in Vantaa, Finland. Photo: EPA
Team China celebrates on the podium after winning the BWF 2021 Sudirman Cup in Vantaa, Finland. Photo: EPA

Chen’s post saw support from social media users, including 2017 world champion Jia Yafan. “Sister Fei really worked hard! Rest well! Uber Cup Fights Again!” she wrote in a Weibo comment.

Chinese media also reported comments from Zhang Jun, the chairman of the Chinese Badminton Association, dismissing concerns over Chen.

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