Tense wait: China’s shuttlers must endure painful delay on decision over who goes to Rio
With at least five players who have made top 16, team officials will finalise their two choices for the women’s singles on July 18
Top women’s players from China, including defending singles badminton champion Li Xuerui, will be forced to wait until the last moment before finding out whether they will go to the Rio Olympic Games.
China had five women’s singles players in the world’s top 16 when the one-year qualification period closed this month, but countries are only permitted to send two competitors.
Many people say Li and the two Wangs have the best chance of going and this is true
Li, along with Wang Yihan, the losing finalist in London four years ago, Wang Shixian, Sun Yu and He Bingjiao are all possible picks after reaching the world’s top 16.
Coach Chen Jin said yesterday selectors had to consider all the possible factors before making a decision on who goes.
“The deadline for submitting the two names is July 18 and we will definitely wait until that last month before making a decision,” said the coach.
“Many people say Li and the two Wangs have the best chance of going and this is true but you cannot deny the opportunity of Sun and He as they have defeated the trio before.