CH & Xia XZ to retire

[woodenRacket]

these topics are hot from yesterday, all over China badminton website.
Both have expressed intention to retire :crying: , though not finalized.

CH married already!?? :eek: to a Chinese Taipei WD player? Why so quiet?

competition within Chinese squad is so tough that even CH as world rank no.4 has no chance for the upcoming OG08. sign

[tjl_vanguard]

bout XXZ retiring.. yes i've heard but not CH...
r u sure?
where did u get the info from??

[alvinlai]

Oh no~! A few less good players to watch out for. I've always been a fan of Xia Xuanze, his trademark will surely leave its mark to his fans.

But I didn't know that Chen Hong got married? Perhaps he's trying not to provoke the situation and cause an uproar as Gao Ling is still around?

[tjl_vanguard]

what is it to do with Gao Ling??? they had a relationship before?? i thought Gao Ling is already married as well....

[ants]

Actually Chen Hong opted to be out of the Olympic Games in Beijing. See if LYB can retains him or not.

[*izzyC*]

Source: The Star

http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2007/1/11/sports/16536277&sec=sports

Chen Hong says no to Beijing Games


BEIJING: China’s world number four Chen Hong is to retire soon and will not compete in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the Beijing News reported.
http://thestar.com.my/archives/2007/1/11/sports/s_pg70hong.jpg No go: China’s Chen Hong feels his age will be a disadvantage for him in his quest for the Olympic gold.
The 27-year-old retained his China Open title and won the Denmark Open in a hot run of form at the end of last year but was dropped for the Doha Asian Games last month.
He told the paper: “Retiring is my next step. I think my family is more important.”
And on his blog – http://chenhongsohu.blog.sohu.com – Chen Hong wrote: “Although 2008 is close at hand, it is beyond my reach.
“My age is a factor. My chance is becoming smaller and smaller as time goes by. Will I be able to stay in form? Will I get a fair chance?”
Chen Hong added that the exact time of his retirement was not yet certain.
“My aiming time limit is three months, maybe another three months, maybe more. I have no idea myself.
Coach Li Yongbo left Chen Hong out of the team for the Doha Asiad because he said he wanted to give some younger players international experience.
The paper said that Yongbo was surprised when he was told about Chen Hong’s intention to retire.
“I’m supposed to talk with the coach around the Chinese New Year,” Chen Hong said.
Yongbo has no lack of talent to choose from as world number one Lin Dan and another four of the world top 10 are Chinese.
Former world champion Xia Xuanze, who was displaced from the team for the 2004 Athens Olympics by Chen Hong, has also said that he was coming close to retirement. The 28-year-old, Olympic bronze medallist in Sydney in 2000 and world championships gold medallist in 2003, is ranked 72nd in the world. – Reuters

[emmsfan]

His playing has captured me. I didn't guess he'll retire so soon. I mean, plenty of players are still playing at the age of 27, or even older (e.g. Peter Gade, Wong Choong Hann, Kenneth Jonassen etc)

[TLCal]

“My age is a factor. My chance is becoming smaller and smaller as time goes by. Will I be able to stay in form? Will I get a fair chance?”

So he did mention about "fair" chance... being left out of Doha Asian Game, and a new wife, no wonder he will change his mind to more family-oriented!! But anyway, China still has lots of talent players to choose from, even beside Lin Dan/Bao/CJ/CY, Chen Hong will have to fight really hard to gain any chance even to some 4*star tournaments.

[OneToughBirdie]

CH is one player I enjoy watching and he would be missed...I opined his play in 06 would rank him 2nd in CHN behind only LD, and easily the top 5 players in the world...and only 27, he has to retire when all those "geezers" still playing in so-called WC tourneys and occupying a spot where better players like CH could play...then we understand if the game is wide open to all qualified participants, then Team CHA could easily occupy most of the spots.

[Dreamzz]

maybe he should opt to emigrate abroad and play for another country, considering that his chances to play for the CHN national team are diminishing. i'm sure there are plenty of countries out there who would love to take him in.

[DinkAlot]

maybe he should opt to emigrate abroad and play for another country, considering that his chances to play for the CHN national team are diminishing. i'm sure there are plenty of countries out there who would love to take him in.

The U.S. would love to have CH. Relatively speaking, we don't have any singles players that can compete with the best.

[Dreamzz]

The U.S. would love to have CH. Relatively speaking, we don't have any singles players that can compete with the best.

ah, there's no doubt that he would improve the team significantly, even if he doesn't play for the squad, he would be a great coach/sparring partner.

LYB would flip his top if CH decided to play for the US national team though.

[DinkAlot]

LYB would flip his top if CH decided to play for the US national team though.

I highly doubt that. LYB or any coach for that matter should expect a player to play or coach elsewhere if another country is going to make that player a good offer. It's simply looking out for # 1.

[Dreamzz]

that's true enough, but he doesn't appear to be a reasonable guy. i remember him being not too happy with zhou mi recently, oh and let's not forget the leg-breaking comments.

[DinkAlot]

that's true enough, but he doesn't appear to be a reasonable guy. i remember him being not too happy with zhou mi recently, oh and let's not forget the leg-breaking comments.

Whatever. If LYB doesn't understand players, past and present, need to survive, and that there's more to life beyond LYB, then he needs to find a clue. :rolleyes:

[emmsfan]

It seems reasonable if CH plays for another country. I also think LYB shouldn't be THAT angry, after all, since HE's probably the one that encouraged CH to retire by not letting have the chance , his last one maybe, to compete in major tournaments.

[Iwan]

I'm really amazed that CH is thinking of retiring. Looking back at his recent performances against Taufik, I really think this guy still have what it takes to be a major competitor for the the Olympic Gold in 2008 if given the chance. Infact, I prefer watching him play than Lin Dan. But I'm sure he has his good reasons for wanting to retire already, family being one :)

[Wong8Egg]

His playing has captured me. I didn't guess he'll retire so soon. I mean, plenty of players are still playing at the age of 27, or even older (e.g. Peter Gade, Wong Choong Hann, Kenneth Jonassen etc)

You can't really compare China to other Countires, imagine if there are 5 LCW and 5 other Peter Gade in each respective country, how could WCH and KJ to stay in team?

It is really sad to hear XXZ and CH are retiring, but I hope them will contiune to play badminton at other Country, IE. CANADA :p

[DinkAlot]

It is really sad to hear XXZ and CH are retiring, but I hope them will contiune to play badminton at other Country, IE. CANADA :p

No, no, no. U...S...A!...U...S...A! ;) :p

[Volts]

^no no no !!!

C...A...N...A...D...A

:p

[Baderz_Jas]

Im suprised that CH will retire :D :p I don't think they will continue their career after retiring though so...

No...No...No...to all of them :D :p LOL ;) :rolleyes:

[ctjcad]

..U...S...A!..YES, YES, YES! U...S...A!..U...S...A!..YES, YES, YES!!:p :) :D ;) :cool:

[Viper2005]

Maybe Dink can ask Lin Dan's cousin if it would be possible to invite Chen Hong and Xia Xuanze to play US Open to entertain us one last time....?:D

[DinkAlot]

Maybe Dink can ask Lin Dan's cousin if it would be possible to invite Chen Hong and Xia Xuanze to play US Open to entertain us one last time....?:D

Doubt they'd want to spend their own money, if sponsored, I'm confident they would. :)

[rwchen]

It is a loss to the badminton's fans for Chen Hong's retirement. I enjoy watching his game, I would rate him as the most skilful Chinese player currently. Unfortunately, he is sidelined in the Chinese team in recent years despite his high ranking. I would say he made a great comeback last year and I wished that LYB had sent him to Asiad. Hopefully, he would change his mind after the Malaysia and Korea Super Series.

[Baderz_Jas]

Maybe Dink can ask Lin Dan's cousin if it would be possible to invite Chen Hong and Xia Xuanze to play US Open to entertain us one last time....?:D

Sorry for the off-topic but who's Lin Dan's cousin :p ;) :confused: Thanks :) :eek:

[LazyBuddy]

It seems reasonable if CH plays for another country. I also think LYB shouldn't be THAT angry,

CHN's situation is a lot of different than other nations. In CHN, the pro athlete got trained and provided food and room when they were like a baby (say 5 or 6 years old). All the training and spendings are FREE, and if they are good enough, they even got paid (beyond city and province level, I think) as a full time job. Therefore, you can say their skill and chances to be a star have a huge % come from the government or organization. Many other nations, players need to hire their own coaches on the way to be success. Of course, once they are in the naitonal team, they might receive free training or $$$ for compensation, but rarely such thing will happen when they were like 10 years old, and still nobody known.

Of course, the CHN team officials will have a sour taste in the mouth, if only to see their formal "kids" turn against them on the big stage. :cool: :o

[LazyBuddy]

It is really sad to hear XXZ and CH are retiring, but I hope them will contiune to play badminton at other Country,

Don't forget that their wives are fairely competitive lady players as well. If they come along, do I see 1 strong WD pair and 2 more XD pairs? :p

[DinkAlot]

Sorry for the off-topic but who's Lin Dan's cousin :p ;) :confused: Thanks :) :eek:

LD's younger cousin, here in the U.S. His name is Michael.

[General Foo]

:cool: LYB is highly reluctant to let CH retire.

Says he has entered CH for the same tournaments as LD BCL and CJ and says that if CH maintains his top 4 ranking he will definitely be selected to represent china in Beijing 2008 (For which i am gonna be a volunteer btw lol :D). anyway it seems that LYB believes CH wants to retire because he believes he has little chance of playing in Beijing even though CH publicly said that it's due to his age family and the benefit of younger team players.

Salute

[Joyous]

Being a chief coach of the Chinese team is tough. I emphatise with him. If LYB is able to convince CH to stay on, he would probably hear grouses from some of the junior players that there is less one vacancy for them to be slotted in. Either way, LYB will displease somebody.
Besides, results speak and LYB has to answer to the management team if the results are bad.

[Baderz_Jas]

LD's younger cousin, here in the U.S. His name is Michael.

Thanks :D :) Wow, he's got a young cousin! ;) :) Micheal Lin??? :D :p LOL :confused: :D

[LazyBuddy]

Being a chief coach of the Chinese team is tough. I emphatise with him. If LYB is able to convince CH to stay on, he would probably hear grouses from some of the junior players that there is less one vacancy for them to be slotted in. Either way, LYB will displease somebody.
Besides, results speak and LYB has to answer to the management team if the results are bad.

Coaching CHN badminton team is like coaching NBA all start game. Regardless whoever you start or benched, there are many unhappy fans making noise. Who gets the hot hand today? No one knows, as the players are just way too good individually.

Since there's no way to make everyone happy anyway, someone has to be the "bad" guy, and make a decision, and hope for the best. With limited entries per event in Olympics, there are always some gems left out from CHN team. With his age, CH has less and less chance to go on, as he will be 28 or 29 by 2008. :cool:

[Simp84]

I think LYB is fair in a way.. he lets the players with the highest ranking, whos hardworking to participate in prestigeous event.. ZN is a great example.. shes old and yet still able to represent for olympic...

[Joyous]

I think LYB is fair in a way.. he lets the players with the highest ranking, whos hardworking to participate in prestigeous event.. ZN is a great example.. shes old and yet still able to represent for olympic...

Precisely, you hit the bull's eye. It's tough being a coach & it's tough being a player whom every other player wants to beat because you are good. But like LD said, it's the tough that gets going.

[*izzyC*]

Officially retiring :crying::

[event]

Newsflash on this topic on Badzine (http://www.badzine.info/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=193&Itemid=33&pop=1&page=0).

[cooler]

hmm, chen hong doesnt look too happy

[virtualkidneys!]

chen hong is still better than most other of the chinese players when he is at his peak. lin dan is only just able to beat him when chen hong gives it his all!

[Trang]

I think that it has something to do with how hard the chinese players push themselves throughout the training. Of course, Peter Gade, practice very hard as well, but in an other way. I think that it's is rare that you see chinese players on the top for more than 5-7 years. I can easily understand Chen Hong. Correct me if I'm wrong.

[yannie]

Whatever, I still pity Chen Hong..............

[DinkAlot]

Whatever, I still pity Chen Hong..............

No need for pity him, instead, pray.:) Pray Chen Hong finds a new country to play for, if that's what he chooses to do.

Actually, if CH does find a new country to represent, I'm sure he'll do just fine and we'll need to pray for his opponents.:p :D

[cooler]

No need for pity him, instead, pray.:) Pray Chen Hong finds a new country to play for, if that's what he chooses to do.

Actually, if CH does find a new country to represent, I'm sure he'll do just fine and we'll need to pray for his opponents.:p :D

yup yup!!
if CH come to US or canada, he can do pretty well:

1: coach part time at very good hourly rate even if required a translator (i bet there are hundreds of players will accept free lessons in exchange for translation duty)

2: do what tony and candra do, go play in Opens. I'm sure CH can get to the SF at least.

[woodenRacket]

I will pray for both of them.
Anyway, not to be too sad about it. It is just natural to be replaced by youger players. Someday TH will retire, followed by PG, LD, Cai/Fu,and a lot of big names.
CH himself understands it very well by saying in an interview that in the past he had been given enough chances and he also had wasted a lot of chances. Now it is just not his time. In 2004 he was given the last quota to OG instead of XXZ, and now he thinks it is fair to give the chance of 08OG to a younger teammate.
His retirement is surely a loss to the CHN team and his fans, but since CH has made up his mind, I support him and wish him a better life.

[ants]

This will hapen to LinDan as well in the future.

[dranmo]

I think both CH and XXZ choose to retire is a great for China National Team especially CH. @04 Olympic, we saw LD, BCL, and CH lost badly and likely 08Olympic China man single will send out LD, BCL and CJ. All three of the mention players easily lose control under great pressure especially we see that in LD and BCL. BCL mental game improve but still not good enough, while CH usually play well under pressure. (I believe XXZ will take home a medal too @04 if they let him play) XXZ retired is not surprising to me. CH? I think he can still play few more years especially if you review his last year game. But likely Coach Li wont let him play 08 Olympic just like what he did to XXZ @04. CH knows this as well and its logically for him choose to retire instead.

[yannie]

yup yup!!
if CH come to US or canada, he can do pretty well:

1: coach part time at very good hourly rate even if required a translator (i bet there are hundreds of players will accept free lessons in exchange for translation duty)

2: do what tony and candra do, go play in Opens. I'm sure CH can get to the SF at least.

You guys are right. :) And maybe his wife can go to USA or Canada too. Then they'll have a chance to play XD. :D

[taufik-ist]

..U...S...A!..YES, YES, YES! U...S...A!..U...S...A!..YES, YES, YES!!:p :) :D ;) :cool:

join djarum for indonesia Badminton league :D

[zzz...]

why don't SBA get XXZ and CH as sparring partners, it will definitely benefit all the young players. :rolleyes:

[OneToughBirdie]

why don't SBA get XXZ and CH as sparring partners, it will definitely benefit all the young players. :rolleyes:
Why even bother to go to MAS...C$ or US$ worth much more than INA rupee or MAS ringgit...at their retirement age, money talks after all you need $$$ to support your family...nobody give a hoot care what you do for their country after you pass on. Cooler has a point, come to Canada or USA, get good hourly rate for coaching and earn $ for Opens (sure XXZ/CH would do well) and also, get paid to represent the national team (based on Canadian/USA standard, both XXZ/CH can play well into geezer age and still be high ranking...hahaha) and later on collect old age security and pension. Now, somebody need to do the honourable thing to tell these 2 fellas to do just that..LOL!:D :D :D

[tjl_vanguard]

Why even bother to go to MAS...C$ or US$ worth much more than INA rupee or MAS ringgit...at their retirement age, money talks after all you need $$$ to support your family...nobody give a hoot care what you do for their country after you pass on. Cooler has a point, come to Canada or USA, get good hourly rate for coaching and earn $ for Opens (sure XXZ/CH would do well) and also, get paid to represent the national team (based on Canadian/USA standard, both XXZ/CH can play well into geezer age and still be high ranking...hahaha) and later on collect old age security and pension. Now, somebody need to do the honourable thing to tell these 2 fellas to do just that..LOL!:D :D :D
i still think that money isn't really what they are thinking about... CH said before he just wanna enjoy the game.. winning or losing isn't so important anymore because he is not the country's first singles player anymore..

[dranmo]

CH & XXZ both feel very strong for their country and I don't think they will leave China at all. Also, I don't think Coach Li will let them leave that easy.

[modious]

XXZ and CH are 2 players whom I always enjoy watching play. It's a pity they're retiring but that's the way China is... they've too much talent.

I'm sure the both of them still have some years left to play competitively and remain in the top 15 at least.

Anyway, here's a photo of a young XXZ playing against Hendrawan in the 2000 Thomas Cup Final which I'll be uploading soon. ;)

http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/3746/xiaxuanzeki8.jpg

[seawell]

CH was the "world badminton" magazine cover of the 2007 No. 3

[yannie]

I love the Jade Chen Hong always wears.......