Xuerui refuses to give up on Olympic dream

FORMER Olympic champion Li Xuerui of China is not convinced that her chances of reaching next year’s Tokyo Olympics are over and out.

The 28-year-old is trying to regain her former self after picking up a serious knee injury at the Rio Olympics two years ago.

While admitting that many young shuttlers have taken over the mantle in her two-year (20162018) absence, Xuerui still believes she can get back to the top.

Yesterday, the two-time World Championships runner-up (2013, 2014) booked her spot in the second round of the Malaysia Open following a 21-6, 21-18 win over her World No 17 compatriot Cai Yanyan.

She will face former world champion Nozomi Okuhara of Japan tomorrow.

“It doesn’t matter whether you’re young or old, I believe it’s everyone’s dream to play in the Olympics.

“I made a comeback last year but I only started playing in bigger tournaments this season.

“Truth be told, I still haven’t found my rhythm and that court feeling but I am working hard to get them back,” said World No 21 Xuerui at the Axiata Arena yesterday.

It is definitely an uphill battle for Xuerui as currently there are five other China shuttlers ranked higher than her.

They are Chen Yufei (World No 2), He Bingjiao (No 7), Han Yue (No 13), Gao Fangjie (No 16) and Yanyan.

A country can only have a maximum of two qualifiers if both players are ranked in the top 16 bracket. The one-year Olympic qualifying campaign ends in May next year.

Since her return to top flight badminton, Xuerui has bagged four titles — Lingshui China Masters, US Open, Canada Open and the Korea Masters.