By BWF | BadmintonPhoto
Introduction
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In the world of badminton, every victory counts. Just ask Howard Shu, the USA player who recently experienced the joy of winning a match at the World Championships after a decade of trying. In this article, we’ll dive into Shu’s journey, his perspective on the game, and the importance of this long-awaited win.
A Decade of Persistence
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Howard Shu made his debut at the World Championships in 2013, and for the next five editions, he fell at the opening hurdle. It seemed victory was always just out of reach. However, in his tenth year at the Worlds, Shu finally tasted success. In a grueling 66-minute match, he defeated Anuoluwapo Juwon Opeyori by just two points, with a final score of 21-18, 13-21, 21-19.
After the match, Shu expressed his elation, saying, “So many thoughts were going through my head. Obviously, during an Olympic year, it’s really, really important. So first and foremost, I’m very happy and excited that I was able to come through in the third set. I think I showed a little emotion on the court. But I will soak it all in. I know it’s rare to have these opportunities, considering the number of great players. To finally get a win, I’m just so happy.”
The Value of a Victory
For top-ranked players, early-round victories are almost expected. However, for Shu, this win was anything but ordinary. He acknowledged the significance of the moment and reflected on his journey, saying, “I’ve been playing for quite some time now, and so to finally get one, it’s not something that I expected. I came into this World Championships expecting to play a tough opponent. When I saw the draw and a great opportunity, I didn’t want to put too much pressure on myself. I wanted to visualize the opportunity… but I will soak it all in afterwards.”
Shu’s path to victory was not easy. He had been battling injuries and had faced several close defeats in previous tournaments. Breaking that momentum and securing a hard-fought win meant a lot to him. Shu’s emotional release on the last point was a testament to his determination and passion for the sport.
A New Perspective
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After the Rio 2016 Olympics, Shu decided to ease off the circuit and primarily play events in the US. However, in 2019, he returned to the international stage. As he approaches the end of his competitive career, Shu’s perspective on the game has evolved. With a job as an IT consultant, he now has the luxury of enjoying the game more and cherishing every opportunity to compete. It’s a stark contrast to his earlier years when a full-time job demanded much of his time.
Reflecting on his first win coming later in his career, Shu humorously remarked, “I mean, it’s weird thinking about it now, to have never won one… I want to soak it in so much more because this is my last 12 months of playing. I will retire after this Olympic cycle. It’s funny that for me, I still feel like I’m playing at an okay level, but I would have thought that the win would have come earlier in my career than at the end.”
FAQs
Q: How many World Championships has Howard Shu played in before his recent win?
A: Howard Shu had played in five previous World Championships before the 2023 edition.
Q: What was the final score of Shu’s recent victory?
A: Shu won the match with a final score of 21-18, 13-21, 21-19.
Q: Will Howard Shu continue playing after this Olympic cycle?
A: No, Howard Shu plans to retire after this Olympic cycle.
Conclusion
Howard Shu’s long-awaited victory at the World Championships is a testament to his perseverance and love for the game. After a decade of trying, he finally experienced the difference between victory and defeat. This win holds a special place in Shu’s heart as he navigates the final months of his playing career. The badminton world salutes Shu’s achievements and eagerly awaits his future endeavors.
Carnegiecentre
Nguồn: https://carnegiecentre.com
Danh mục: Tin tức
