Chou Sets Three Main Targets
For Chou Tien Chen, 2022 was a tough and testing season, one in which he noticed his opponents forcing him to the back court, away from his favoured space – the net.
· DIANNE PIERRE
“Nobody wants to play me at the net,” said Chou in jest. “My opponents play the shuttles long and I haven’t had a chance to play at the net all year. They have found new tactics against me.”
Chou's sole title last year was the Taipei Open on home turf and the world No.4 became the maiden Chinese Taipei men's singles shuttler to medal at the World Championships in Tokyo. Jonatan Christie held five match points against the 32-year-old in the quarterfinals but the Indonesian had to endure heartbreak after Chou’s comeback. He won 14-21 21-11 22-20 to bag his first medal at the event.
“My best memory of 2022 is definitely making the World Championships semifinals, playing with spirit and for God. When I play with (the blessings of) God, it doesn’t matter whether I win or lose. I focus on my attitude and put everything into badminton and it's incredible. I prayed a lot last year,” said the spiritual Chou.