China bank on team spirit to maintain good tradition

THE weight of expectations is great on the shoulders of China’s young shuttlers to maintain their good tradition in the Uber Cup Finals.

Except for the 27-year-old Li Xuerui, the others in the team are in their 20s.

And China’s second ranked singles shuttler He Bingjiao is taking it all in her strides.

“There are quite a number of younger players in China and we’re excited to be part of the team for the first time,” said the 21-year-old Bingjiao.

“China have won the Uber Cup many times (14) and they won it because of team spirit. And we’ll bank on the same team spirit to fight all the way.”

Bingjiao had only joined the national senior team when stars like Li Xuerui, Wang Yihan and Wang Zhixian won the Uber Cup in Kunshan, China, two years ago.

“Xuerui is back (after injury) and she advises and encourages the team.”

Yesterday, Bingjiao was moved up as the first singles in the absence of Chen Yufei. She led the team to a 5-0 rout of France in a Group D tie.

China will take on Malaysia today and Bingjiao said she is prepared.

“Malaysia are strong opponents, we’ll not take them lightly. They have good singles and doubles players,” said the world No. 8 Bingjiao.

If Bingjiao is fielded as the second singles, she will take on 2015 world junior champion Goh Jin Wei.