Just as I thought or suspected, "only designed for the training period " (as sparring partners and to identify new talents in the process, if any, I suppose).
Just wanted to make some noise on this thread! Yamaguchi, our 2022 Female Player of the Year has been killing it lately. Consistent wins against the top players. This tournament alone, straight games wins against CYF, ASY & TTY. Also as Steen mentioned today, perfect selection of tournaments to win this year: All England (oldest/most history), World Championships (on home soil!), Japan Open (home tournament), and WTF (biggest prize money). Hope she’s able to stay healthy & free from serious injuries & win in Paris in 2024!
She just needs one more title to perfectly close out 2022: the All Japan Championship coming up in 2 weeks!
Here's Yamaguchi's interview upon landing back in Japan, as reported by Badminton Spirits. We get to hear her thoughts on her performance this year and areas that she thinks she still needs to work on. May she avoid injuries and continue to show us more exciting matches next year! -This is your first win in 5 years, since 2017 The result is as such, but in terms of play, I was able to play patiently and made good use of my chances whether I was attacking or defending. I am glad that I was able to wrap up the last international tournament of the year in a way that I could be satisfied with. -Victories at the All England and Japan Open. Your thoughts looking back on this season? If we look at the overall result, I think it was a very fulfilling one year, but there were also times when I was not playing well. I feel that I still have my ups and downs so I want to be able to play at my best more consistently. -The Olympics race will start next May Regarding the Paris Olympics, there are many things that I haven't decided yet so I'm not thinking too much about the race. I think it would be good if I could enjoy each match without over thinking it. -The difference between this victory and your first Super Series Finals win? I think that last time, there was still a part of me that was approaching it from the viewpoint of a challenger. This year, I was able to produce many results and was in the position of being challenged, so I'm glad that I was able to still play while looking forward. -Regarding being able to win big tournaments while being ranked #1 I'm not good at dealing with situations where I'm being chased, but I think to be able to win in such situations has given me confidence. -Before, it was either "boldly attack" or "fight patiently without making mistakes". Are you able balance the two well now? I think I have been able to play more patiently and without getting anxious and becoming predictable even when the scores are close more often now. -Regarding the All Japan Championship at the end of the year This time, there was a part of me that was able to play well, but I feel that there is still a lot for me to work on regarding shots quality and adapting to the venue. Also, there are not many opportunities to play in front of a Japanese audience so I hope that I will be able to play well.
No words on the seriousness of her injury, but she has been officially replaced by Nidaira for the the individual event. It doesn't look like a simple sprain from the video recording . What a bad timing, right in the middle of the Olympics qualification. Fortunately, it's not right before the Olympics like what happened to Hirota, so hopefully she can recover in time and get back to form soon.
I can't find any concrete details, but Yamaguchi seems to have been nursing an injury on her right leg since just after the Japan Open; hence, it is a fairly long-standing injury. Head coach Park has stated that 'there is nothing wrong with her bone', if that is any consolation. ()
Apparently, the cause is an injury to her right fibularis longus (one of the calf muscles). She will not be participating in either the Denmark or French Open.
Is it true Akane has withdrawn from the World Tour Finals?? Saw a post on Twitter but couldn’t find an official statement.
