I had never seen this player before this year's All England Championships and never knew what the fuss was about. I'd seen Susi Susanti many times, and Bang Soo Hyun, and recently, Camilla Martin at several tournaments.

But I have to say, this player is truly amazing. She's small, she looks a like a child next to some of her 5' 8" and 5' 9" tall Chinese team-mates, but she's faster than all of them and has greater stamina. It's inspirational to watch her beat bigger and stronger opponents through sheer determination. I could see why so many young players want to emulate her. I had the good fortune to meet her after her semi-final win and she was very polite and curteous, even with limited English.

Which brings me to another topic. Camilla Martin is the most arrogant ladies player I've ever seen. If she is in a bad mood, she will be so rude to her opponents, it's embarassing to watch. She stays just within the bounds of the rules so as not to be penalised by the umpire, but otherwise, she intimidates her opponents with her behaviour. When she was losing to Zhou Mi in the quarter-finals of the All England, every time she hit the shuttle into the net, she would go to pick up the shuttle, and just barely touch it with her racquet, so that the shuttle moved just an inch or two towards the opponent's court. Zhou Mi to her credit, still continued to return the shuttle to Camilla when she had lost a point, but Camilla did not return the favour. When Camilla was down in the last set, she took drink breaks without looking to the umpire for permission, while at the same time, complaining if Zhou Mi asked for one. I've seen Camilla in other tournaments actually tell an opponent who was taking a drink break or towelling sweat off their arm to hurry up, or ask sarcastically, "Are you ready now?". This sort of behaviour does not help the cause of badminton, especially when it comes from Europe's top ladies singles player.

She has made numerous comments in the press about how in major tournaments, it is a contest between her and "the Chinese girls". She seems to think that it is some sort of team contest with her as a team of one against the five or six top ranked Chinese players. She implied that the Chinese players were not out for individual triumph but merely wanted to make sure that at least one Chinese player won the title. I'm sure the Chinese players do want to win for their country but also want personal glory just as much as Camilla herself. To imply otherwise, is to stereotype the Chinese players as automatons, and quite offensive to a neutral as it borders on being racist. Camilla Martin is a great player but she should act like a champion as well as playing like one.

Give her a break. She's a pro, like soccer players,

she makes a living out of the game , it's not like in the

past !It's probably all play-acting.

Well said, I couldn't agree with you more.

I actually find her quite entertaining. OK, she's not the John McEnroe of badminton, but she's well on the way... Say what you will, but she does come across as a colorful person. Alas, this is also highlights her biggest weakness: her psyche. It accounts for many of her losses.

And as to her Chinese paranoia: the Chinese have made no secret that they are training "Camilla killers", so I don't think she's totally wrong there...

Er... that last post was all about Camilla Martin, of course.

well said John! i've noticed Camilla's behavior as well.

it get worse. once, she tried to petition other players to ban the Chinese, saying their dominance is setting back progress in badminton. she is just a sore loser whining about losing to others. that's very bad sportwomanship in my opinion.

i am happy so long as the Chinese keep beating her. remember, here is our "Camilla Killer" list:

1. Gong ZhiChao
2. Zhou Mi

disclaimer: these are my personal opinion, of course, and not of Badminton Central's . :)

Yes, it is bad sportsmanship, and yes, she is a sore loser, I agree. BUT: she's quite a profile, and I think that's good for badminton's popularity. Every sport needs bullies!

But mind you, some of the Chinese players can be pretty rude too. If I remember correctly, in the 1996 Olympics WD final, if Gu Jun hadn't been there to calm her partner down I am sure Ge Fei would have been in for a couple of warnings or worse...

(About that petition -- I had not heard about this before, but it sounds really grotesque... Are you sure it is true? I mean, how could you even think you would get away with something like that, let alone consider it good for the sport?)

I was there at NIA, when Zhou Mi's third round match finished, I noticed she came over and looked at Camilla's match on the other court. Camilla got a bit edgy when she lost her first game 12:13. Zhou Mi smiled and walked away to rest. As I expected she won the match next day against Camilla.

I also heard about that petition - from the news on www.chinabadminton.com.

Have you all noticed the general animosity
between female players from different countries?

The most telling is after a match when the players
shake hands. The women barely touch each others'
hands. Are they afraid they're catch something contagious?

All of the other top-ranked players are professionals also, but no one else behaves as rudely as Camilla Martin, IMO. If your suggestion that she is play-acting is correct, then her motive would be to bother her opponent and gain an advantage. So far, I haven't seen anyone distracted by the rudeness, at least not obviously. In fact, Martin has been beaten by Gong Zhi Chao, Gong Ruina, Dai Yun, Zhou Mi, Ye Zhaoying (I think), and Susi Susanti (many times).

I think her behaviour has the biggest effect on herself and probably only increases her inner tension. Ironic, isn't it?

Yes it does sound rude but that's what i have observed too. I think camilla is a spoiled brat because she is the current reigning ladies single player in denmark. I bet her coach know this tantrum hurts her chance of winning but able to do anything about it.

Aren't a lot of women like that anyway?

Zhou Mi seems to have that cheerful personality.
Before and after her match with Gong, she was still smiling.

Was Zhou smiling because of her nature or was she smiling because she had made Camilla nervous?

Look like the current ladies singles play evolves into a form of 'cat fights'. Rarrrr...
Meow.... This might put some flare back into badminton.

spelling: should read " but unable" , not "but able". I'm was speed surfing while at work.

Criticism aside, i do enjoy watching CM play. Technically, she does have excellent footwork and stroke. I do believe her behavior is working against her. Gong consistently beats CM through hard work so CM should up her endurance and determination a bit more "if" i was her coach. If footwork and stroke techniques between the two at par, then CM longer arms and legs should win out in the end. However, CM must able to drag out long games with gong in order to win. It seems her tantrum takes away any positive energy and determination she has left.


cooler

If it was all act play acting, then why keep using this loosing strategy because it ain't working for her.

Lot of interesting replies to this thread so here's my two rupiah worth:

1)Totally agree that CM's got no sportswomanship... I got so pissed reading the match report bwt her and Kim Ji Hyun in the Korean Open finals... what kind of stupid attitude is that? Peter Gade, on the other hand, is a most gracious player... maybe she ought to take some lessons from him.

2)Agree with Mag too that the Chinese are pretty open abt wanting to beat CM (I won't say it's wrong but personally, I dun like tt either). And it's also true that they want the title to remain in China, no matter through who. CM's got a pt there, perhaps it's just the way she said it......

3)Haven't heard abt the petition nonsense... it's a lame way to go but I must admit that it's never gd for a sport when one country/region dominates it continuously, whether it was Indonesia in the early 90s or China today. That's why I felt kinda good when Gopichand took the MS... all the way Gopi =)

4)Yes, Cheung... lots of women are "like that". I will get rotten eggs in my face for betraying my own species but I tend to think that men (badminton players or otherwise) tend to less petty... of course, there are exceptions to every rule.

Cheers.

What can I say? Well, how about this:

END SEXISM!

I guessed she realised the deficit in Camilla's mental strength on the day which provided Zhou Mi a winning edge.

No, the truth.

What happened in the Korean Open Finals. I would be grateful if you can 'report' it here.

Well, CM won the first set and lost the second. In the third, she was trailing Kim 1-10. Then Kim (according to her) started wasting time bwt shots which got CM looking pissed and asking "Are you ready?" (as mentioned in John's thread). The final result was a victory for CM (darn!) and she looked so unsporting swinging her racket and giving her opponent the dead fish handshake *that's what my pa calls it =)*. I saw this on a delayed telecast of the match and it pissed me off big-time.

Unfortunately, I didn't catch the whole match so I couldn't judge if Kim was really wasting time. Whatever the case, CM's response only reflects badly on herself. Even if ur opponent is really doing sth illegal, it doesn't justify ur being rude right? The way I see it, it just means that you are as much at fault as she is, if not more.

Worldbadminton.net has a report on this actually but I hated it coz they made CM's lack of sportswomanship look like a strength instead... I was tempted to call it bigotry but I guess they can't slam players openly.

Thumbs down to all unsporting ppl...

It looks to me that CM has a long way to go to beat players like GZC and ZM. Thanks Adel for your reply.

But CM has beaten Gong several times before?

... And CM has beaten Zhou Mi several times too.

CM sux ass !!

Camilla's back is up against the wall, and you can tell she's definitely feeling the pinch from the high calibur of players from China.
Why else would she say such things?
Anyways... how they conduct themselves is their own business... I still think she's pretty hot... but that's just my opinion. haha

:)
Sorry, I just have to add this reference... Camilla is still the queen, and we all know no body is perfect, not even number 1 ranked players.
Look at Britney Spears!
How many little teenie boppers does she have trying to steal away her thunder???
Literally many people are trying to become the next BS, because they want all those boys after them, and they want all that money that she rakes in by the truck loads!
Hey don't act like you don't really listen to her music, if you listen to music at all... because someone out there is sure buying her stuff!
Christina Aguillera is pretty sweet as well. hehehe :)

she's just not getting any before the matches? or perhaps a bad *** episode on her side???
Sorry to say that... don't reply to this!!!!!!!

CM is a high figure in women singles because she had played with and was the main contender of most of the older star players like suzi susanti, ye zhao ying, mia audina, etc. There is great pride and satisfaction in beating CM whether u r chinese or not.

You're drinking again

did u caught the mp3 of BS mouthing off profanity backstage?

Peter didn't have such a good tournament as well. Was it a coincidence?

I won't say anything mean... promise... *grin*
But lots of nosey Danish fans have been inquiring abt their erm... private lives... I got that from the newspaper btw. And it isn't some trashy paper... it's the good ol' (may I add, heavily-censored) Straits Times fr S'pore.

Yes I did!! :)
Reminds me of Camilla ehem.

I think it is 7-1 in GZC favour.

No! You are wrong, CM has only beaten Gong once before! But Gong has beaten her quite many times!

kelvin, have u play singles games with vince before? close games?

But that's what I said.

This girl is amazing! She's so strong and consistent, she looks like she's never going to lose.

Does anyone know a good web site dedicated to her (in English)?

U can check the links here. Go to the one by Yang Shu-en.

John Li,

Originally, this profile carries many fantanstic picture, but can't be attached. Hope you can enjoy it. Anyway, you can also visit this website at www.chinabadminton.com/english.

Good luck and have a nice day!

Fleming Zhong




Gong Zhi Chao: The Striking Player


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



At the beginning of 1997, when people had just heard of her name, not even knowing how she looks like, Gong Zhi Chao had already earned the Swedish Open title, Japan Open, Korean Open and the All-England Open runner-up titles to her name. She created the fastest rise in the history of International Ladies Singles' World Rankings.

"Who is Gong Zhi Chao? Where does she come from?", people would ask each other.

1

Born on the 15 of December, 1977, in Hunan(China), An Hua City.

Although An Hua City is considered as one of the smallest cities in China, it has managed to produce two badminton world beaters. Two time Uber Cup champion team member Tang Jiuhong, also came from the same city as Gong Zhi Chao. Tang Jiu Hong was Gong Zhi Chao's idol as a teenager.

In 1987, the young badminton player, Gong Zhi Chao, was studying in Xiang Hua Zi Di Primary School. One fine day, she saw her Physical Education teacher playing badminton with his daughter. She observed the small feather shuttlecock as it flew to and fro. Soon enough, she was totally engrossed in it. It was as if the shuttlecock was bekoning her to come forward to try, and the temptation was very great indeed. Finally, she plucked up all the courage she could master and asked, " Can I play too?" Her teacher readily agreed. First, he taught her about the basics, like how to hold the racquet, service etc. Gong Zhi Chao participated excitedlly for the whole afternoon, and this was how she got acquainted with badminton.

In the same year, Gong Zhi Chao was selected into the school's badminton team. Everyday before the break of dawn, she would be woken up by the loud and ear piercing whistle. Under the supervision of Mr.Wen Ju Gang, she would go jogging, then on to attend classes, and after school's dismissal, back to the badminton courts again. Gong Zhi Chao's parents missed her very much, so they would order her elder brother and sister to look out for her in school. On one occasion, Gong Zhi Chao's brother noticed that some blisters had formed on her hands after going through rigour trainings. He immediately went home to tell the family about this, saying that, " San San( Gong Zhi Chao's nickname ) trains really hard until there's blood blisters formed on her hand. I told her to stop playing, but she refused and insisted on carrying on..." Upon hearing this, Gong Zhi Chao's mother was so worried and heart-broken about her dearest youngest daughter. She heard that eating dishes with pork's hand in it not only helps to revive health, and also helps in improving stamina. Though they belong to a humble background, they tried means and ways to earn money to buy the meat for their beloved daughter. So every weekend, when Gong Zhi Chao gets to go home, her mother would never forget to cook "pork's hand" soup for her. On following Mondays, other than bringing back fruits, she would be given two pieces of roasted pork's hand to eat. Gong Zhi Chao's father oftened held her small hand and pat it, telling her in a soothing tone, " Bear with it, you must bear with it...it is like that when you are young. Persevere when young, that's the only way you can success when you grow up. Tang Jiu Hong had to go through all this too..."

Once during training, the coach placed a stool under a basketball post and said, " We are now going to train up the springing strength in our footwork. Stand on the stool and jump up as high as you can, and reach for the net above." After demonstrating, all the trainees immediately got down to doing it. When it came to Gong Zhi Chao's turn, she stood on the stool motionless for a very long time. " Why aren't you jumping?", the coach asked. " I'm a little afraid." she replied timidly. " What is there to be afraid of ?!" Her coach shouted at her with anger in his words. Actually, Gong Zhi Chao herself could not figure out why she was afraid. " If you still don't do this practice, don't think of having dinner tonight, just sit there and watch!" her coach continued to say, this time even louder. After another two rounds or so, the coach waved his hand across the court, " Come and give it a try." So she bit her lips, jumped in a forward motion, touched the net with her right hand, and landed on the ground safely on her feet. " Do it again.", was the coach's encouragement. With that, she repeated the step five times. The more she tried, the more comfortable she felt. Maybe this was her first problem she overcomed on the road to success.

In 1989, Gong Zhi Chao made it into the Hunan Badminton Provincial Team. "Gong Zhi Chao can only grow to about 1.65m at the most, thus not having any advantages on court. I don't think she can go very far this way..." Unintentionally, she overheard one of her coaches saying. Although she had come this far and her skills improved rapidly day by day, she developed a huge mental obstacle. She used to envy all those who was tall and strong in built, and thus made herself more devastated as she was not very tall. However, this problem of hers did not escape the eyes of another coach, Li Fang. Li Fang simply told her, " Indonesia's Susi Susanti has almost the same built as you, yet she is a great player. Why can't you do it when she can?" The quick witted Gong Zhi Chao then realised that being tall is not the only condition to become a good player.At that time, the China National Badminton Competition was going on in Changsha( the capital of Hunan province ). Gong Zhi Chao was the most important player in the team. In many matches, victory depended very much on her. Though there was tremandous pressure, she kept calm and steady. Together with her teammates, they managed to defeat numerous top players. This helped Gong Zhi Chao in regaining her confidence.

In 1992, when Gong Zhi Chao was only 15 years old, her father was seriously ill and had to be hospitallised. Upon receiving the bad news, she rushed back to Zhu Zhou from Changsha. By then, she was only in time to hear her father's last words, " Listen to your mother and be a good girl; Listen to your coach, work hard and play well. I hope you can be part of the China National Team next time and bring back the World Championship title..." Tears filled up her eyes.

2

" To earn a place in the National team, to strive for the World Championship title" became Gong Zhi Chao's dream. Luckily she was not the kind of player who only knew how to dream. She knew that in order to fufill the dream she and her father shared, lots of effort, hard work and sweat had to be put in.

In the year end of 1995, the China Badminton Team held a selection trial in Bejing( the capital of China ). Gong Zhi Chao swept through the competition easily and made her way into the National B Team ( normally for juniors ).

The China Badminton Team oftened held competitions between the A and B team. ( The A team is the group that represents China in international tournaments ) Any player from the B team that manages to beat some quality players from the A team convincingly, would be able to rise up into the A team. This time, Gong Zhi Chao proved to the national coaches all that she was worth. In the middle of 1996, she finally became part of the China National Team( team A ), under the guidence of coach Li Ling Wei.

Gong Zhi Chao has a height of 1.63m and weighs 53kg, therefore being the most duminitive one among the other team members. Some may think that this is a disadvantage to her, but in actual fact, it enables her to move quickly, giving her the full coverage on court. Gong Zhi Chao's nature during matches is to be lively in her movements, steady and go stroke for stroke. She pocesses great mental strength, causing her to fight for every point, no matter whether the score is to her advantage or disadvantage. Normally, she will manupilate her opponent until she finds a loop hole. Then, she will advance in on that particular weak point/s to get hold of the trump card. In several occasions, she fought off her opponents' match points to come back into the game and pulled off the winning point for herself. This goes to show that she is very capable of handling situations in times of anxiety and pressure.

During a badminton competition, players will drain more stamina compared to a soccer player. What is worse is that the style of Gong Zhi Chao's play is even more strenuous. Ever since Li Yong Bo became the head coach of the China Badminton team, he'd make the team members run up a mountain called Xiang Shan Gui Jian Chou in Xi Shan, Beijing, every fortnight. This mountain is about 500 metres above sea level and has a gradient of 50 to 60 degrees.Tourist would take two to three hours walking up, whereas Gong Zhi Chao only needs 18 minutes to run from the bottom to the top of the mountain. She would also take the initiative to run up twice too.

During trainings, Gong Zhi Chao will wear special clothings filled with sand that weighs about 6 kg to do her runnings, jumps, and strokings.Sweat would pour down profusely and make her t-shirt completely soaking wet. But does that matter to her? Of course it does not for a dedicated player like her. All she have to do is to change into yet another one.

To increase her arm strength, Li Ling Wei enjoined Gong Zhi Chao to train a few more sets of what they call " throwing strength ball" everyday. The ball, as heavy as the ones used for shot putting, have to be thrown towards a barrier, for example, a wall. Even during her trips to overseas tournaments, she will never forget to bring one of those balls. No matter whether she is in the hotel or stadium, whether she just won or lost a match, as long as she is free, she will do this exercise till her hand gets totally strained.

3

Incidentally, the hostel room that Gong Zhi Chao is now staying in is exactly the same room as the one Tang Jiu Hong lived in ten years ago.

Before Gong Zhi Chao's entry into the China Badminton team, there were Ye Zhao Ying, Zhang Ning, Yao Yan, Dai Yun, Zeng Ya Qiong, Wang Chen and Han Jing Na that took up only seven places out of the eight places of "immortals" or "fairies". People used to compare them to a Chinese lengendary story " Dong You Ji", in which all the eight fairies originate from. Each of these fairies have their own specialities, and are kind and caring immortals that help all peasants in trouble. Ever since Gong Zhi Chao joined the Chinese team of ladies' singles players, she completed the whole team of "eight fairies". She was the latest to join the team and she is also the youngest and the smallest in size.

Gong Zhi Chao respects her coach, Li Ling Wei, the most, and also look up to all of her "elderly" team mates. Li Ling Wei once said," Looking at Gong Zhi Chao play and being able to be her coach, gives me a sense of happiness and security. Matches that are not to be lost, she will never lose..." But relationaship between she and her teammates is not as close, sad to say. During tournaments, they would fight to their last breath, as it is either "I win you lose, or I lose and you win ", but during meals, they all have to sit on the same table again. Nevertheless, Gong Zhi Chao commented, " If I lose to them, they are my seniors. If I defeat them, they will still remain as my seniors..."

Right now, Gong Zhi Chao shares a room with Zeng Ya Qiong. She bought a 25 inch colour television and a radio to put in her room itself. She and roommate Zeng Ya Qiong shares the same interest: watching drama serials and listening to music during their spare time for relaxation. Music to Gong Zhi Chao is so important that everytime she goes out-station for a tournament, she will bring at least two cassette tapes of favourite singers Tan Yong Lin and Wang Fei( otherwise known as Faye Wong in English ).

Ever since the death of her father, Gong Zhi Chao grew more concern about her family, especially her mother. Every two days, she would make a long distance call to talk to her mother to find out if there is any happenings at home or whether she needs anything else. When abroad, she would try her best to buy little gifts for her family too. Gong Zhi Chao is aware that her mother is a very trifty person, and would not buy spend money for her own sake. Thus, Gong Zhi Chao always buy daily necessities and warm clothings like cardigans, jackets, gloves...etc for her mother. Her mother would always say, " San San, don't always spend money to buy things for me, you should save the money for yourself." Guess what was the reply from Gong Zhi Chao? " When I was young, you'd always give me the best of everything, and I ate so much of your pig's hand dishes too! I should at least do my bit in giving all I can to my mother..." Sometimes during the Chinese New Year, she would play badminton with her brother and sister, as long as they are happy. All this goes to show that Gong Zhi Chao is a very filial girl. All in all, Gong Zhi Chao is a rare player to come by.

Gong Zhi Chao-- forever the striking winner.




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The "Badminton Players" section of this site also has decent review of some key players, including GZC

Why not write something about Li Ling Wei herself?

There are very few lady players with her skills.

Does anyone know of any good websites about her? In English?

Or top badminton players in general?

Are there any good web sites devoted to her? She's so young to be retiring, only 24 years old, and I think she only came onto the circuit at 19 or 20. Okay, she has won everything there is, but Camilla Martin is about 28 or 29 and still going strong.

Anyone know why she retired so early? It's a pity, because I think she was the most exciting singles player around and her matches against Camilla were great to watch.

all the chinese players retire round the same age. ge fei, sun jun, etc

Have you checked out http://www.chinabadminton.com?

They have a profile on her.

A month ago I made a projekt about Gong Zhi Chao, but I never found out what she was doing now??

Can anyone tell me??

Daniel

The answer is in this thread posted by Shasha

http://www.badmintonforum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=15567&page=3&pp=25

Hi all,
Is there anybody know the information about Gong Zhi Chao? What is she doing now?
I really like her. We have the same birthday... ;-)

Hi all,
Is there anybody know the information about Gong Zhi Chao? What is she doing now?
I really like her. We have the same birthday... ;-)

she is studying in HUNAN university! :D she will join CHINA ALL GAME in NANJING this year.

Im very fond of the badminton legend Gong Xie Chao! I am wondering what sort of things she has done after retiring! I always miss the players when they retire. The chinese badminton team that is. Why do people brag about Susy? She was just lucky to win...:rolleyes:

I wouldn't say people brag about susi, but there's a reason Susanti is respected and hailed as a badminton legend, and it has little to do with luck. I'm not sure what Gong is doing nowdays, I certainly hope she is still involved with badminton and teaching others what she has learned throughout her extensive experience.

I wouldn't say people brag about susi, but there's a reason Susanti is respected and hailed as a badminton legend, and it has little to do with luck. I'm not sure what Gong is doing nowdays, I certainly hope she is still involved with badminton and teaching others what she has learned throughout her extensive experience.In this thread (http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27340&highlight=gong+chao) she was caught on film at the Chinese national championships in the fall of 2005. I guess she is still very involved with badminton.

In this thread (http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27340&highlight=gong+chao) she was caught on film at the Chinese national championships in the fall of 2005. I guess she is still very involved with badminton.


good to know. but most retired pro badminton players in china are involved in the sport in 1 way or another. afterall, they invested alot of time in it when they were young.

Im very fond of the badminton legend Gong Xie Chao! I am wondering what sort of things she has done after retiring! I always miss the players when they retire. The chinese badminton team that is. Why do people brag about Susy? She was just lucky to win...:rolleyes:

Do you mean Gong Zhi Chao? She is indeed brilliant. Came back from a very very nasty back injury, then basically become unbeatable or should I say invincible! Poor Ye Zhaoying have to retired without a gold Olympics medal that she has been trying so hard for.

Gong becomes extremely precise in placement shot and super fast when she got back from her injury. In fact, I can not see any woman who can do placement shot as consistent and precise as her.

After winning Olympics, Gong basically want to retired as her goal is to win the Olympics. The only game she lost after comeback I think is after Olympics which she already indicate beforehand that she has fulfilled her dream of World Championbship and Olympics and was ready to retire, and also, she need to look after her body and preventing her injury from getting worse.

There is an interesting article about her here posted by Fleming Zhong. http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1004

but in a different way.

after retirement in Jan 2002, she became the vice-director of management center of badminton of Hu Nan province. (this comes from chinese, plz correct me if it's not the proper name)

however she returned to the court in Dec 2004 aiming for the 10th National Games of China. she was being trained very hard for less than a year and participated the game in Oct 2005. she did very well in Group match and helped her team win the champion. then she played women's single and lost in quarter final.

this time she was really retired. and she said: " am satisfied with my career and i'll never leave this sport. i'll do my best to foster young players..."

thanks for telling me a bit more about her. I was delighted to know about her. I knew she would be a lovely person, not only as a badminton player but as a down-to-earth person aswell. I wish her all the best in the future. By the way, where is Gong Ruina? I do miss her too! Will she be back to play again:confused:

gong rui na was retired already and i don't think she's going to come back.
she started a new life as an actress! actually she once played a major role in a teleplay before her retirement. it seems she'll probably start her career in filmdom.:rolleyes:

anyone here have video of her ? anymore so hard to find

..in the Professional Players' sub-forum??..

http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=30149
http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22818
http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16326
http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2763
http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4172
http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=871

Ancient threads.
Now merged :)

..finally! Thanks.
I guess, that must've been the time when BC just started & was small enough as a group that people just created multiple threads of the same subject, just to fill up & make the site look full..;)