No need for pity him, instead, pray. Pray Chen Hong finds a new country to play for, if that's what he chooses to do. Actually, if CH does find a new country to represent, I'm sure he'll do just fine and we'll need to pray for his opponents.
yup yup!! if CH come to US or canada, he can do pretty well: 1: coach part time at very good hourly rate even if required a translator (i bet there are hundreds of players will accept free lessons in exchange for translation duty) 2: do what tony and candra do, go play in Opens. I'm sure CH can get to the SF at least.
I will pray for both of them. Anyway, not to be too sad about it. It is just natural to be replaced by youger players. Someday TH will retire, followed by PG, LD, Cai/Fu,and a lot of big names. CH himself understands it very well by saying in an interview that in the past he had been given enough chances and he also had wasted a lot of chances. Now it is just not his time. In 2004 he was given the last quota to OG instead of XXZ, and now he thinks it is fair to give the chance of 08OG to a younger teammate. His retirement is surely a loss to the CHN team and his fans, but since CH has made up his mind, I support him and wish him a better life.
I think both CH and XXZ choose to retire is a great for China National Team especially CH. @04 Olympic, we saw LD, BCL, and CH lost badly and likely 08Olympic China man single will send out LD, BCL and CJ. All three of the mention players easily lose control under great pressure especially we see that in LD and BCL. BCL mental game improve but still not good enough, while CH usually play well under pressure. (I believe XXZ will take home a medal too @04 if they let him play) XXZ retired is not surprising to me. CH? I think he can still play few more years especially if you review his last year game. But likely Coach Li wont let him play 08 Olympic just like what he did to XXZ @04. CH knows this as well and its logically for him choose to retire instead.
You guys are right. And maybe his wife can go to USA or Canada too. Then they'll have a chance to play XD.
Why even bother to go to MAS...C$ or US$ worth much more than INA rupee or MAS ringgit...at their retirement age, money talks after all you need $$$ to support your family...nobody give a hoot care what you do for their country after you pass on. Cooler has a point, come to Canada or USA, get good hourly rate for coaching and earn $ for Opens (sure XXZ/CH would do well) and also, get paid to represent the national team (based on Canadian/USA standard, both XXZ/CH can play well into geezer age and still be high ranking...hahaha) and later on collect old age security and pension. Now, somebody need to do the honourable thing to tell these 2 fellas to do just that..LOL!
i still think that money isn't really what they are thinking about... CH said before he just wanna enjoy the game.. winning or losing isn't so important anymore because he is not the country's first singles player anymore..
CH & XXZ both feel very strong for their country and I don't think they will leave China at all. Also, I don't think Coach Li will let them leave that easy.
XXZ and CH are 2 players whom I always enjoy watching play. It's a pity they're retiring but that's the way China is... they've too much talent. I'm sure the both of them still have some years left to play competitively and remain in the top 15 at least. Anyway, here's a photo of a young XXZ playing against Hendrawan in the 2000 Thomas Cup Final which I'll be uploading soon.
