Zheng Siwei and his partner Huang Yaqiong celebrated a remarkable achievement by winning the mixed doubles title at the BWF World Tour Finals held on December 15, 2024, in Hangzhou, located in East China's Zhejiang Province. The duo managed to secure their victory against the Malaysian team of Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei after a challenging match that ended with scores of 21-18, 14-21, and 21-17. This moment stands out as a triumphant conclusion for Zheng's time with the national team.
In his post-match remarks, Zheng candidly shared that winning the championship was not something they had anticipated prior to the tournament. Their main aim had been to extend their time on the court and play as many matches as possible, which shifted towards a hopeful desire for a fulfilling finish once they reached the finals. Zheng passionately led the audience in chanting "Ya-Si never ends," celebrating their seven-year partnership and underscoring the legacy of their competitive spirit for future generations of the Chinese national badminton team.
Despite acknowledging that their opponents appeared in better form, Zheng emphasized his determination to give his all to secure victory. He expressed that the essence of their accomplishments extends beyond medals, encapsulating a fighting spirit that resonates in both competitive scenarios and life challenges. Over their seven years together, Zheng and Huang amassed numerous prestigious titles, including Olympic gold and multiple world championships. Their final opponents acknowledged their years of experience and the quality of partnership that comes with trust and communication.
Looking ahead, Zheng remained open to the possibility of collaborating with Huang in domestic competitions, particularly with the National Games set for 2025, as both belong to the local Zhejiang team. The post-match atmosphere also lightened when Zheng's son, Aiden, made an unexpected appearance, delighting the journalists present.
Huang and Zheng both expressed profound respect and understanding for each other, crediting their synergy as the cornerstone of their success. They reiterated the collective identity of "Ya-Si," emphasizing that their achievements were a result of their partnership, not individual efforts. In addition to their story, women's singles player Wang Zhiyi triumphed in her final match, showcasing resilience and growth throughout the tournament. Her path led to significant improvements marked by notable earlier wins, highlighting her determination ahead of future competitions. Wang expressed her readiness to support her teammates and elevate the overall performance of the national team in the upcoming season.
The finals concluded with Shi Yuqi's victory in the men's bracket, where he secured his second World Tour Finals title, further enriching China's badminton legacy.
6 Comments
Marishka
Zheng's fighting spirit is contagious, a true champion inspires others to rise.
Pupsik
What a phenomenal win for Ya-Si! So proud of their resilience and teamwork.
Marishka
So they didn't even expect to win? Kinda makes their victory feel cheap.
Pupsik
Zheng's post-match message is inspiring, sport is about more than medals.
Marishka
Giving credit to Yaqiong is all well and good, but Zheng carried this match.
BuggaBoom
Excited to see what the future holds for both Zheng and Huang, individually and together.