by Henry Chen 

“The physical condition of Ding Ning today made everyone worried because her fever hasn’t stopped since she came back from the Grand Finals”, Guo Yan (Beijing Women’s Team Coach)

Fatigue has caught up with the Rio 2016 Olympic Games Women’s Singles champion Ding Ning.

Last Wednesday 14th December, Ding Ning was in the playing line-up for the Beijing Team for the 15th round of the 2016 Chinese Super League. She played in the doubles with Sheng Dandan and in the decider.

She performed well in the doubles, emerging successful; however, in the decider, Ding Ning was beaten by Hu Limei (11-9, 11-3).

“Today, Ding Ning still had the fever during the match”, Guo Yan

The next rounds of the competition will be very difficult for Beijing. They have already posted three straight losses in the league, placing them in an awkward position to advance into the play-offs.

Currently, the team is in the fifth place, tied with Shenzhen.

Although advancing into the play-offs and having a chance to win the title is something desirable for the team, Guo Yan emphasised that it is not their main goal this season. The 2016 Chinese Super League is all about preparation.

“We are playing this way because there is the Super League and the National Games next year. The coaching staff is already very satisfied. We have to prepare well because Chinese opponents are very strong.” Guo Yan

As for the subsequent rounds in the league, one thing is sure: they will continue to give their best effort as a team.

Beijing is scheduled to face Shandong Luneng in the sixteenth round scheduled on Sunday 18th December.