While it's true that injuries could hinder performance, many ladies in professional badminton are strapped in some ways, not just the Chinese. I remember reading somewhere that ladies are much prone to injuries in professional sports, so it's not unusual to see them in all kinds of support or strappings. Injuries affecting their performance could be a factor, but doesn't fully their subpar performance. Also, the same problems are noted in even the lower level teams. Previously, these players from B and C teams would move up to A team and take over the seniors and renewal and rejuvenation of the Chinese team would be successful. Up till today though, the same A team players are still playing and it doesn't look like the youngsters are good enough to take over them, much less to continue their domination. This points to internal issues. Looks like the Chinese team has got lots to work on internally and external pressure to perform is not helping.
One thing I see different about the Ladies singles is the style. You used to see the majority of ladies singles from China having excellent footwork and being really smooth around the court. Although Shixian has excellent footwork and tenacity, her lack of use of smash is very surprising. Yihan's movement is like forcing her way around the by brute strength. Xuerui is somewhere in the middle but nearer the power end of style. I just wonder if the Chinese coaches have gone too much in developing strength and lost somewhere on the technique side for their ladies singles.
I wonder for how much longer LYB will stay as head of CBA. Is there not a change of leadership at the top of sport association every time CHN PLA party change their premier?
Not sure if it's a coaching error or simply managerial. There will be consequences from this WC, no doubt.
a coup d'etat is brewing in China against Xi Jinping. The whole thing may come to a head within two or three months. We'll see.
Not familiar with Chinese politics, but I don't believe changing the head will solve issues, unless the head is the one causing the issues.
Just out of the topic. I forgot when. I think it's in the early 90's after YY and Zhao retired, that when INA dominated MS, and the top 4 were all from INA. And INA men won almost every tournaments. Now look at the men's draw, only Rumbaka and Sugiarto were qualified in WC, and both were eliminated in the 2nd round..... The situation is much worse than Chinese WS.
A problem remains to be a problem until it gets cured completely. What differentiate is the inner capabilities, resources as well as the willingness to cure it.