Badminton player takes on challenge of a lifetime

Emmy Chan Oi-ni, 30, will face the last and greatest challenge of her badminton career at the Atlanta Olympic games later this month. Two-time champion of the annual Hong Kong Badminton Championships in singles, in 1992 and 1994, Emmy will represent the territory in the mixed doubles against 20 other top badminton couples from around the world.

After the games she plans to retire, become a coach, and with her brother open a sports centre specialising in badminton equipment. A graduate of the Shanghai Sports Institute in 1986, Emmy turned professional when she came to Hong Kong the same year. She switched to mixed doubles two years ago. Emmy is single, but has a steady boyfriend.

What's on your mind? I'd like to make at least the top eight in Atlanta. I think about the game all the time. I must work on the most effective mind-game for each opponent, build up my endurance and work effectively with my partner, He Yiming. I am used to playing singles where you only have to worry about yourself.

In doubles, it's a completely different mind set with its own dynamics. Not only do we both have to be in top form, but we have to communicate well or there is little hope of winning.

What's the most difficult and the most important thing about doubles? Communication between you and your partner. You have to know each other well so you can anticipate how your partner will react when you play in a certain way. You have to know your partner, and he has to get to know you. You have to be in tune with each other. My partner and I had problems before and we used to argue a lot. But we are really good friends now.

Does romance sometimes blossom between the players? Sometimes, but not with us. He is married with a child and I have a boyfriend. Romance is a double-edged sword anyway. It can both help the game or completely ruin it. Some top players are couples who are involved in their private lives. And they know each other well and can work together effectively in court. But when they break up, their careers can end too.