Nozomi officially withdraws from the Dubai Finals PJB refering to the inconvenience that pulling out mid-way would cause (given the group matches format of the competition) Which means that Chen Yufei will qualify instead. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports...-pulls-world-superseries-finals/#.WiKOrEria02
Sorry to hear that, honestly, I'd much prefer she recovered well and play at Dubai and, perhaps, Carolina Marin, who injured her hip at the HK Open felt not in good shape , be the one to pull out instead unless, of course, she is fit enough to play. Anyway, every player should know what's best for themselves and set their priorities right. Long-term goals are more important than short-term gains. Wish Nozomi Okuhara fully rehabilitated and ready to start her campaigns for the new season in 2018.
For 19-year-old Chen Yufei who is in the first year of her young professional career, discounting her junior days, she has a lot to learn and ample room for improvement. As such playing top level tournaments regularly can only be good for her growth and development as an aspiring up-and-coming player. Hope Chen Yufei, the lucky recipient of Nozomi's withdrawal, thanks to her, makes the best use of this golden opportunity afforded her to gain as much experience as possible together with her fellow teammate, 20-year-old He Bingjiao, who also needed such tournament practice to mature as a player. All the best to each and every participant at Dubai SSF !
Ugh this is very sad news Really wanna see her on court again. Guess I have to settle for watching that World Championship final over and over again.
Not just the final, all her matches that week were fantastic. She did the same in the SS Finals and the All England, where she was plain untouchable (2014?) just before getting injured (running theme). In that sense Yamaguchi seems a lot safer.
Yeah I agree! That was SSF 2015 and All England 2016. It does make me wonder what Yamaguchi does differently in footwork that makes her less injury prone. I mean they both retrieve ALL those shots, it's insane! Yet Yamaguchi hasn't been laid off (AFAIK) due to injury.
Why oh why I understand perfectly that priorities matter but man it's been very long, she'll take time to start over and gain her momentum Was really looking forward to see her and PVS and TTY
Hopeful for our Minions to double hattrick this year here in Dubai, that would be a sweet icing on the cake for their wonderful year. Go Minions!!