Leading contenders
Zhang Ning (WR #1)
Zhou Mi (WR #3)
Gong Ruina (WR #5)
Mia Audina (WR #6)
Mia is practically the only one who can topple the Great Wall. Most notably, she did it in Japan and almost repeated the feat in Athens. When the dust settled, the Great Wall stands.
Zhou Mi did not win any title (except the Uber Cup) but she was consistent throughout the year.
Gong Ruina is the All-England champion, but otherwise has to concede the year to Zhang Ning.
Zhang Ning won the most major titles this year - Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Uber Cup and most importantly, the Olympics. She is also the most consistent. She is no doubt the women's singles player of the year.
Also-run:
Xie Xingfang (WR #2) have won a handful of titles which is reflected in her high ranking but she mostly profited in the absence of the top players.
In 2005, watch out for:
Tine Rasmussen who looks to confidently take the mantle from Camilla Martin.
Jun Jae Youn who is still young and yet to fulfill her promise.
China's young guns (as always).
Park Joo Bong's Japanese babes, who will herald a new era for Japan, although it's asking too much for them to challenge for the top titles.
Most likely to be player of the year in 2005:
Zhang Ning may be old in comparison, but this late-bloomer has another year yet.
Zhang Ning (WR #1)
Zhou Mi (WR #3)
Gong Ruina (WR #5)
Mia Audina (WR #6)
Mia is practically the only one who can topple the Great Wall. Most notably, she did it in Japan and almost repeated the feat in Athens. When the dust settled, the Great Wall stands.
Zhou Mi did not win any title (except the Uber Cup) but she was consistent throughout the year.
Gong Ruina is the All-England champion, but otherwise has to concede the year to Zhang Ning.
Zhang Ning won the most major titles this year - Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Uber Cup and most importantly, the Olympics. She is also the most consistent. She is no doubt the women's singles player of the year.
Also-run:
Xie Xingfang (WR #2) have won a handful of titles which is reflected in her high ranking but she mostly profited in the absence of the top players.
In 2005, watch out for:
Tine Rasmussen who looks to confidently take the mantle from Camilla Martin.
Jun Jae Youn who is still young and yet to fulfill her promise.
China's young guns (as always).
Park Joo Bong's Japanese babes, who will herald a new era for Japan, although it's asking too much for them to challenge for the top titles.
Most likely to be player of the year in 2005:
Zhang Ning may be old in comparison, but this late-bloomer has another year yet.
lol
