Source:REUTERS/Issei Kato
[Saba Sports News] The mixed doubles badminton event at China’s 15th National Games is about to ignite. Olympic champions and former world No. 1 pair Zheng Siwei and Huang Yaqiong are undoubtedly the most watched pair on the court. As the former ace mixed doubles pair of Chinese badminton, Zheng Siwei and Huang Yaqiong teamed up in 2017 and amazed fans by sweeping nine titles across various tournaments the following year, earning them the nickname “IELTS Combo”. This will be the “last dance” for the IELTS Combo in domestic competition. After winning the mixed doubles title at the BWF World Tour Finals last season, Zheng Siwei and Huang Yaqiong announced their retirement from the international circuit. Both hope for a perfect ending at this National Games. Zheng Siwei revealed in an interview that he has been training with Huang Yaqiong recently, hoping their domestic farewell can leave a beautiful memory. Huang Yaqiong reached the mixed doubles final in the previous two National Games but unfortunately ended with silver medals both times. Speaking about her expectations for the 15th National Games, she expressed that a National Games gold medal is still missing from her career and she hopes to win it, concluding her personal farewell on a perfect note.