World champion Zhao crowned at National Games

Newly crowned world champion Zhao Tingting paired up with Olympic bronze medalist He Hanbin to win mixed doubles badminton title at the 11th Chinese National Games in Qingdao on Saturday.

Zhao and He, who represent People's Liberation Army, lost the first set 21-14 to Hunan's Zheng Bo and Tian Qing, but reversed the situation to win the second at 21-8. The decider proved to be a seesaw battle as the two sides even levelled at 19-19 before Zhao and He notched up the game at 21-19.

"This is my third and last National Games. After that, I will retire." said Zhao, who will take up college studies shortly after a break.

"After I took the women's doubles gold in this year's world championships, I do not put myself under pressure anymore. Maybe relaxation did some help during my trip this time at the National Games, " added she. "Anyway, it's a perfect ending for me."

"This is my first gold at the National Games. I really appreciate my partner's help," said He. "A bronze medal finish in the Beijing Olympics has made me more mature. While a National Games gold proved myself again and built up my confidence. But of course, I still consider the gold as a new start for me as there are still many matches ahead of me."

He Hanbin and Yu Yang clinched mixed doubles bronze in the Beijing Olympic Games.

Both Zheng and Tian expressed their regret on the loss. "Only two points," said Zheng. "If only we could do better."

"But a silver is also a treasure," added Zheng.

Tian said they need to pay more attention to details in future training and competitions.

<i>Source:Xinhua</i>