Who said what in and around the badminton world over the past week?
FROM HONG KONG OPEN 2023
“It’s always nice, he has this freestyle of playing, jumping everywhere and having crazy shots. It’s a lot of fun.”
Christo Popov enjoys battles with Loh Kean Yew.
“It’s like fantasy beating these higher-ranked players. When I saw the draw, I didn’t think I’d win two matches.”
Chia Hao Lee after defeating Viktor Axelsen and Lee Zii Jia on successive days.
“I’d like to think of myself as an annoying player. And I proved that with some good control and not just headless running around. I was quite methodical about my annoyance.”
Kirsty Gilmour after almost beating Akane Yamaguchi in the second round.
“The biggest motivation, we must create ourselves. Although there are many challenges to get through, just try. There will come a day where you get the rewards.”
Goh Jin Wei following her quarterfinal win over Han Yue, her first over a top 10 player in four and a half years.
“If we keep thinking about the past, it will affect our current performances.”
Lee Yang wants to move on from the Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold.
“That’s crazy. That’s brand-new information.”
Anders Skaarup Rasmussen after learning Denmark had not won men’s doubles for 38 years.
“We surprised ourselves by winning our first tournament together. Maybe it’s the beginners’ luck but we also prepared well for this tournament.”
Wei Ya Xin, mixed doubles champion with Guo Xin Wa.
“It was such a tough match. Kenta (Nishimoto) played well and never gave up but neither did I.”
Men’s singles winner Jonatan Christie.
FROM ELSEWHERE
“We’ve never done it and Anu makes that feat a possibility.”
Badminton Federation of Nigeria President Francis Orbia believes Anuoluwapo Juwon Opeyori can become the first player from the country to qualify for back-to-back Olympics.
“I was one of the youngest athletes and mostly stayed in the shadows. This time I’m going in with a strong track record of success. That’s the big difference.”
An Se Young on what has changed since her Asian Games debut in 2018.
“Everyone has to retire one day. I haven’t set any deadline. As a sportsperson, it’s my duty to try because I love the game.”
Saina Nehwal not done with playing just yet.
“My legs were very tired and it felt like I was going to cramp. Thankfully, I have my wife to help me with massages.”
Singapore’s 66-year-old Kon Fai Foo after becoming his nation’s first senior world champion.
BWF Newsletter
