Who Can Stop Zheng and Huang? – Mixed Doubles Preview
When it comes to Mixed Doubles, the names Zheng Siwei and Huang Yaqiong (featured image; left) have been on the lips of badminton pundits all season – and may be again come Sunday 16 December.
· GAYLE ALLEYNE
Having settled comfortably into their partnership – formed in November 2017 – the world No.1 duo have entrenched themselves in the penthouse position and are, without a doubt, the favourites to prevail on home turf in the season-ending HSBC BWF World Tour Finals.
As if boasting eight titles out of 13 tournaments this year was not enough of a confidence booster, the Chinese stars will have the full weight of home fans cheering for them at Tianhe Gymnasium in Guangzhou. The runaway top qualifiers for the signature event, who did not need to rely on their automatic berth as World champions, have another title looming large on their horizon.
“Only the consistent performers can qualify for Guangzhou. We are happy we will be able to compete. Our final goal is to play well in this World Tour Finals,” said Zheng who is aiming for a hat-trick of victories in the December showpiece.