It's my year: Shuttler Wang Zhiyi is all fired up to continue China's good tradition in the women's singles event. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Being the top player in a nation as competitive as China is no easy feat, but women’s singles shuttler Wang Zhiyi shows no signs of slowing down.
Instead, world No. 2 Zhiyi intends to step on the gas after a fruitful season last year, where she bagged five Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Tour titles – Indonesian Masters, Malaysian Masters, China Open, Denmark Open, and World Tour Finals.
She also defended her Asian Championships title and played a crucial role in helping her team win the Uber Cup gold medal.
With 2020 Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Chen Yufei on hiatus and 2024 Paris Olympics silver medalist He Bingjiao retired, Zhiyi has taken center stage as China’s leading women’s singles shuttler.
The increased attention and expectations have not deterred her, as she remains focused on her ambitious goals for this year.
"This year, we have three most important tournaments – Sudirman Cup (Apr 27-May 4), World Championships (Aug 25-31), and National Games of China (Nov 9-21) – and my ultimate goal is to win the titles," said the 24-year-Zhiyi.
"Last year was a remarkable year for me, filled with significant progress and breakthroughs.
"I hope to maintain the positive momentum and achieve even greater improvements in my skills.
"With Yufei yet to return and Bingjiao’s retirement, there is more focus on both Han Yue and I.
"This added attention has increased the pressure, but I’m confident in my ability to balance it well and transform that pressure into motivation."
Yesterday, Zhiyi kicked off the season on a positive note after defeating Taiwan’s world No. 29 Hsu Wen-chi 21-9, 21-13 in the first round of the Malaysian Open at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil.
Despite the comfortable win, Zhiyi believes there is room for improvement.
"In both games, I started slow, trailing 0-3 or 0-4," said Zhiyi.
"I feel I could have done a better job settling into the match from the beginning.
"However, after a few rallies, I managed to adjust quickly and execute my strategy effectively."
Zhiyi will play against Taiwan’s world No. 32 Chiu Pin-chian in the second round today.
Pin-chian outplayed world No. 41 Lauren Lam of United States 21-11, 19-21, 21-17 in another first-round match.
