For Zhang's sake, says Coach Li Yongbo
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Li Yongbo, head coach of the Chinese badminton team, fielded Xie Xingfang instead of Zhang Ning at the first match against Thailand at the Sudirman Cup mixed badminton championship for Zhang's sake. Li released the lineup on Monday, explaining that world number one Zhang Ning's left ankle was still swollen. For her sake, China fielded Xie instead of Zhang. "Since Zhang has not recovered, we need to protect her form any other injuries," said Li. Li said Lin Dan was now in good form but mentioned that Bao Chunlai and Chen Jin should be well prepared. "If Lin's form is down, we will field Bao or Chen," added Li. As for Zheng Bo/Gao Ling, who are currently ranked sixth in the world, Li had meant to send them to play against world number three pair Sudket Prapakamol/Saralee Thoungthongkam. However, the Thai duo didn't show up on the list. The same case happened on their top men's singles player Boonsak Ponsana, which meant Thailand intended to give up the match as their archrivals were England and Malaysia. "Zheng/Gao is supposed to increase their world rankings to world top one or two in the coming months." |
