World No. 1 Mixed Doubles Pair Zheng Bang-Ya Xin Still On Learning Curve

KUALA LUMPUR, May 24 (Bernama) -- They may be perched atop the Badminton World Federation (BWF) world rankings in mixed doubles, but for China's Jiang Zhen Bang and Wei Ya Xin, it’s clear that heavy is the head that wears the crown as their journey is only just beginning.

Ya Xin, 25, believes they are still some distance away from reaching the elite standard set by their seniors Zheng Si Wei-Huang Ya Qiong, who retired after winning the World Tour Finals last December.

Three-time world champions and Paris 2024 gold medallists Si Wei and Ya Qiong are regarded as one of the most dominant and iconic pairs in badminton history.

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“They definitely represent the highest level in mixed doubles. I mean their entire mixed doubles record is glorious and I think we’re always trying to catch up to them... actually, there’s still a big gap between us and them.

“Whether it’s maturity and understanding or communication... perhaps, their strongest point is that when they face difficulties, they trust each other even more,” Ya Xin told reporters after their hard-fought 15-21, 22-20, 21-19 mixed doubles semi-final win over their seventh-seeded compatriots Cheng Xing-Zhang Chi in the ongoing Malaysia Masters Badminton Championships at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil, today.

Ya Xin also believes the internal competition among China’s mixed doubles pairs has proven to be healthy as they are constantly learning from one another.

“For instance, with us, sister (2020 Tokyo Olympics mixed doubles gold medallist) Huang Dong Ping will also come and teach us. I think we have a very good, healthy and competitive relationship,” she said.

Tomorrow's Malaysia Masters mixed doubles final will be an all-China affair, with world number one Zhen Bang-Ya Xin taking on world number two Feng Yan Zhe-Huang Dong Ping.

Judging by their head-to-head record, things do not look good for Zhen Bang-Ya Xin as they have lost nine out of 11 matches against Yan Zhe-Dong Ping, who cruised to a 21-10, 21-7 victory over Taiwan’s Ye Hong Wei-Nicole Gonzales Chan in the other semi-final.

-- BERNAMA