It has been an extraordinary journey for Beiwen Zhang, currently ranked as the world No. 12 in badminton. For over two years, Zhang has been training without a coach or regular badminton sessions, which is quite unusual for someone of her caliber. Despite these challenges, Zhang’s determination and talent have propelled her to great heights in the sport.
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A Unique Training Experience
Zhang, originally from China but now representing the USA, resides in Las Vegas. However, her training takes her to San Francisco, where she can harness her skills on the court. “I’ve been focusing on physical training,” Zhang shares. “Unfortunately, I don’t get to play at all in Las Vegas. If I want to hit on the court, I have to go to San Francisco.”
Consistent Performances and Rankings
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Before moving to the US, Zhang played for Singapore for over nine years. Her relocation followed a vacation with a friend in mid-2012. Last year, Zhang’s performance at Grand Prix-level tournaments, including victories at the US Open, Brasil GP, and Dutch Open, led to a steady rise in her rankings. While she has achieved success at the BWF World Superseries level, she believes that a lack of consistent high-quality training has hindered her from making a breakthrough.
Challenges Faced Without a Coach
Zhang acknowledges the impact of her Singapore coach, Ding Chao, who brought her to a world-class level in 2009. However, at that time, she was young and not fully committed to the sport. Reflecting on her current training routine, Zhang says, “These days, I just focus on physical training and watch videos. Of course, having a coach would be better. I really enjoyed training under him.”
Overcoming Financial Constraints
Unlike her peers, Zhang has had to face the challenges of pursuing her badminton dreams without substantial financial support. She actively seeks budget-friendly options for accommodation and airfares to minimize her expenses. Despite these constraints, Zhang remains resolute in her pursuit of excellence.
Future Aspirations
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Zhang is eager to prove herself on home turf at the OUE Singapore Open, her first appearance since 2011. She faces a tough draw, starting with a match against Hong Kong’s Yip Pui Yin. Zhang is ambitious and hopes to qualify for the BWF Destination Dubai World Superseries Finals.
FAQs
1. How has Zhang’s training routine changed since moving to the US?
Zhang’s training routine primarily focuses on physical training, as she currently does not have a coach. She also spends time studying videos to enhance her skills.
2. What were Zhang’s standout achievements last year?
Zhang had impressive performances at Grand Prix-level tournaments, winning the US Open, Brasil GP, and Dutch Open. These achievements contributed to her rise in the rankings.
3. What challenges does Zhang face without a coach?
Without a coach, Zhang struggles to maintain consistent high-quality training, which she believes is essential for making a breakthrough at the highest level of the sport.
Conclusion
Beiwen Zhang’s journey in badminton is a testament to her resilience and determination. Despite training without a coach and facing financial constraints, Zhang has proven herself among the world’s elite players. Her continuous pursuit of excellence is an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere.
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