Yes I can – Wang Zhi Yi full of belief ahead of women’s singles final
“Yes I can!”
Three words that signalled Wang Zhi Yi’s intent ahead of her YONEX All England Open women’s singles final against An Se Young.
It is first seed vs second seed, reigning world champion against the reigning BWF World Tour finals winner.
The player who has not been beaten in 19 matches against the last player to defeat her.
Defining Wang by just that victory does her a great disservice; the 24-year-old is a two-time Asian Championships gold medallist and the winner of eight World Tour titles.
“I very much look forward to playing her again,” Wang said. “Since we last played, she hasn’t lost since then.
“I think she’s in her best form at the moment and it will be a challenge for me. I will try my best and try to play some good badminton for all of the fans.”
While Wang is complimentary of her opponent’s performances in the run-up to the final, the same can be said for the Chinese shuttler.
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The All England final marks her second Super 1000 showpiece appearance of the year, following a 21-17 21-7 loss to An at the Malaysia Open.
Wang is yet to drop a game in Birmingham, a feat An cannot match, and was imperious against compatriot Han Yue in the semi-final.
Crucially, Wang expended much less energy than An in her semi-final match, with the world number two coming off looking still fresh.
By contrast, her South Korean rival looked drained after an epic battle with Akane Yamaguchi that she was relieved to complete in just two games.
While An sunk to the ground after match point, cramp taking over, Wang let out a huge roar she will be hoping to repeat after the final.
She added: “I’m very pleased, very happy and satisfied with today’s result.
“With my celebration after the match, I wanted to release all of my energy. I have prepared a lot for this match and I’m very happy with the win.
“I was playing my teammate. The most important thing was to have a good mentality befoe the match.
“Last week I lost to another teammate in Chen Yuefi. The big thing for me is to overcome the challenge within myself.”
The challenge within herself may be a mighty one for Wang, but so is coming up against An.
That is why she summoned all her belief to answer with conviction when asked whether she can beat her .
“Yes I can!”
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Photo courtesy of Badmintonphoto
