Zhang Ning
Encyclopedia
Zhang Ning is a female badminton
player from the People's Republic of China. She won the Olympic gold medal twice for women's singles in both 2004
and 2008
. She has played badminton on the world scene since the mid-1990s and has been particularly successful since 2002 while in her late twenties and early thirties, relatively late for singles at the highest level, and especially for top players in the Chinese system who are developed very early. She is the only player of either sex to win consecutive Olympic
singles gold medals.
Zhang first represented China in Uber Cup
(women's world team championship) competition in 1994 and last represented it in 2006. Though she was not always chosen to play in each of the biennial editions of this tournament, the span of her Uber Cup service is the longest of any Chinese player.
, where she stormed into the final. There, 28-year old Zhang Ning defeated compatriot Gong Ruina easily 11-6, 11-3.
for China. In women's singles, she defeated Marina Andrievskaya
of Sweden and Kelly Morgan
of Great Britain in the first two rounds. In the quarterfinals, Zhang beat Wang Chen of Hong Kong 9-11, 11-6, 11-7 to advance to the semifinals. There, she defeated countrywoman Zhou Mi
11-6, 11-4. Zhang defeated Netherlands
's Mia Audina
8-11, 11-6, 11-7 in the final to win the gold medal
. It was sweet revenge for the 29 year-old, who had lost to Audina 10 years earlier in the decisive match of the Uber Cup
. With her Olympic win, she became one of three singles players in the world to win the World Championship and the Olympic Games (in either order) in successive years, the others being Susi Susanti and Taufik Hidayat
.
in the 2005 China Open
3-11, 11-4, 11-8, but in the 2005 World Championships
final Zhang fell to Xie Xingfang
, 8-11, 11-9, 3-11.
yet again, but she was still unable to defeat Xingfang. This time, she lost 16-21, 14-21. However, Zhang claimed revenge in the Japan Open
, defeating Xingfang 21-11, 16-21, 30-29. This was the 19th time they have met in an international tournament, with the head-to-head tied at 9-9. Zhang also became the first women's singles player to win a game in international competition with a score of 30-29. During this year the well known Dutch documentary filmmaker Roel van Dalen made the documentary film 'Olympic Journey - The Road to Beijing' on the life of Zhang Ning, which was broadcast on television worldwide.
title in six times, beating Xingfang 21-18, 19-21, 21-3. In the World Championships, Xingfang was defeated in the third round by Malaysian Wong Mew Choo, making Zhang a favourite for the title. However, she was stopped in the semi-finals by Wang Chen. This was the second time Wang Chen had beaten her in 2007, after the Indonesian Open
. Zhang's compatriot Zhu Lin
went on to beat Wang in the final 21-8, 21-12. In the Beijing Good Luck Invitational tournament, Zhang reached the semi-finals to face Zhu Lin but pulled out due to injury.
In the Danish Open
, she reached the final, but lost 17-21, 14-21 to compatriot Lu Lan due to a thigh injury. Zhang also reached the semi-finals of the French Open
, but was upset was local hope Pi Hongyan
.
In the China Open
, Zhang lost in straight sets to Malaysia's Wong Mew Choo in the semi-finals. Zhang cited injury and fatigue as the main reason for her loss.
, in the quarter-final. Zhou now plays for Hong Kong. In the All England, Zhang and Xie, the top 2 seeds, lost in the first round. This is probably the first time that the top 2 seeds lost in the first round of the All England. However they both bounced back strongly in the Swiss Open to reach the final, for their 22nd international meeting. To be in the final was a relief for Zhang who had failed to get past the quarter finals in three previous tournaments. Still, Xie beat Zhang 21-18, 21-17, bringing their head to head stands to 11:11.
Later, at the Beijing Olympic Games, Zhang progressed to the quarter-final after overcoming South Korean Jun Jae Youn in the third round. She then subdued fifth-seeded Pi Hongyan
of France and Indonesia's Maria Kristin Yulianti
21-15, 21-15 to reach the final. There she faced compatriot and world number 1 Xie Xingfang
and won in a tough three-setter, 21-12, 10-21, 21-18, to extend her gold medal reign. Zhang became the first badminton player to ever defend an Olympic singles title even though many questioned her ability to do so at the age of 33. She was additionally chosen to represent China as the flag bearer for the 2008 Summer Olympics closing ceremony
.
was held at the 2008 China Open Badminton Championships
in Shanghai in November 2008. After her retirement, Zhang Ning immediately began working with the Chinese national team in coaching and developing the up and coming women's singles players.
(1994), Swedish
(1996), Malaysia
(1998), Singapore
(2001), and Korea
(2002) Opens; the 1998 World Badminton Grand Prix
and Copenhagen Masters
; and the 2001 Asian Championships
. She had also earned a bronze medal at the 2001 IBF World Championships
and a second place finish (to compatriot Ye Zhaoying
) at the 1998 All-England Championships
, the one major world title that she never captured.
Badminton
Badminton is a racquet sport played by either two opposing players or two opposing pairs , who take positions on opposite halves of a rectangular court that is divided by a net. Players score points by striking a shuttlecock with their racquet so that it passes over the net and lands in their...
player from the People's Republic of China. She won the Olympic gold medal twice for women's singles in both 2004
Badminton at the 2004 Summer Olympics
Badminton at the 2004 Summer Olympics was held at the Goudi Olympic Hall at the Goudi Olympic Complex from August 14 through August 21. Both men and women competed in their own singles and doubles events and together they competed in a mixed doubles event....
and 2008
Badminton at the 2008 Summer Olympics
Badminton competitions at the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics were held from August 9 to August 17 at the Beijing University of Technology Gymnasium.-Qualification:The qualification for 2008 Summer Olympics began from May 2007 until April 2008...
. She has played badminton on the world scene since the mid-1990s and has been particularly successful since 2002 while in her late twenties and early thirties, relatively late for singles at the highest level, and especially for top players in the Chinese system who are developed very early. She is the only player of either sex to win consecutive Olympic
Badminton at the Summer Olympics
Badminton had its debut at the 1992 Summer Olympics and has been contested in 5 Olympiads. 50 different nations have appeared in the Olympic badminton competitions, with 19 appearing all 5 times. It is governed by the Badminton World Federation.-History:...
singles gold medals.
Zhang first represented China in Uber Cup
Uber Cup
The Uber Cup, sometimes called the World Team Championships for Women, is a major international badminton competition contested by women's national badminton teams. First held in 1956-1957 and contested at three year intervals, it has been contested every two years since 1984 when its scheduled...
(women's world team championship) competition in 1994 and last represented it in 2006. Though she was not always chosen to play in each of the biennial editions of this tournament, the span of her Uber Cup service is the longest of any Chinese player.
2003
Although she had previously won a number of international open titles dating from the mid 1990s, Zhang's breakthrough as a dominant player on the world circuit came in the 2003 IBF World Championships2003 IBF World Championships
The 13th IBF World Championships were held in the National Indoor Arena, Birmingham, United Kingdom, between 28 July and 3 August 2003. The championships had originally been planned to take place from 12 May-18 May, but were rescheduled following the international outbreak of SARS.This edition also...
, where she stormed into the final. There, 28-year old Zhang Ning defeated compatriot Gong Ruina easily 11-6, 11-3.
2004
The following year, Zhang played badminton at the 2004 Summer OlympicsBadminton at the 2004 Summer Olympics
Badminton at the 2004 Summer Olympics was held at the Goudi Olympic Hall at the Goudi Olympic Complex from August 14 through August 21. Both men and women competed in their own singles and doubles events and together they competed in a mixed doubles event....
for China. In women's singles, she defeated Marina Andrievskaya
Marina Andrievskaya
Marina Andrievskaya is a female badminton player from Sweden.She won the silver medal at the 2000 European Badminton Championships....
of Sweden and Kelly Morgan
Kelly Morgan
Kelly Morgan is a Welsh Commonwealth and Olympic Games badminton player born in Pontypridd.Morgan attended Bryn Celynnog Comprehensive school in Beddau, Wales.- 1996 Olympics :...
of Great Britain in the first two rounds. In the quarterfinals, Zhang beat Wang Chen of Hong Kong 9-11, 11-6, 11-7 to advance to the semifinals. There, she defeated countrywoman Zhou Mi
Zhou Mi
Zhou Mi is a Chinese female badminton player. During much of her career she represented the People's Republic of China, but since 2007 she has represented Hong Kong which has a sports program and teams independent from those of the mainland. In 2010 she received a 2 year ban, for failing a drugs...
11-6, 11-4. Zhang defeated Netherlands
Netherlands
The Netherlands is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located mainly in North-West Europe and with several islands in the Caribbean. Mainland Netherlands borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east, and shares maritime borders...
's Mia Audina
Mia Audina
Mia Audina Tjiptawan ; born 22 August 1979) is a former Chinese Indonesian badminton player who represented Indonesia and later the Netherlands in international competitions. A badminton prodigy, Audina first played Uber Cup for Indonesia at fourteen, winning the decisive final match in the...
8-11, 11-6, 11-7 in the final to win the gold medal
Gold medal
A gold medal is typically the medal awarded for highest achievement in a non-military field. Its name derives from the use of at least a fraction of gold in form of plating or alloying in its manufacture...
. It was sweet revenge for the 29 year-old, who had lost to Audina 10 years earlier in the decisive match of the Uber Cup
Uber Cup
The Uber Cup, sometimes called the World Team Championships for Women, is a major international badminton competition contested by women's national badminton teams. First held in 1956-1957 and contested at three year intervals, it has been contested every two years since 1984 when its scheduled...
. With her Olympic win, she became one of three singles players in the world to win the World Championship and the Olympic Games (in either order) in successive years, the others being Susi Susanti and Taufik Hidayat
Taufik Hidayat
Taufik Hidayat is an Indonesian badminton player. He is a former World and Olympic champion in men's singles...
.
2005
Zhang also claimed many titles after her breakthrough wins. She bested Xie XingfangXie Xingfang
Xie Xingfang is a female badminton player from the People's Republic of China who has twice won women's singles at the BWF World Championships....
in the 2005 China Open
China Open (badminton)
The China Open is an annual badminton tournament held in People's Republic of China. It became part of the BWF Super Series tournaments in 2007.-Past winners:...
3-11, 11-4, 11-8, but in the 2005 World Championships
2005 IBF World Championships
The 2005 IBF World Championships was held in Anaheim, southern California, United States, from August 15 to August 21, 2005.2004 Olympic champion Taufik Hidayat of Indonesia won the men's singles over China's Lin Dan, while Peter Gade of Denmark and Malaysia's Lee Chong Wei received bronze...
final Zhang fell to Xie Xingfang
Xie Xingfang
Xie Xingfang is a female badminton player from the People's Republic of China who has twice won women's singles at the BWF World Championships....
, 8-11, 11-9, 3-11.
2006
In 2006, Zhang reached the finals of the World ChampionshipsBWF World Championships
The BWF World Championships is a tournament organized by the Badminton World Federation to crown the best badminton players in the world....
yet again, but she was still unable to defeat Xingfang. This time, she lost 16-21, 14-21. However, Zhang claimed revenge in the Japan Open
Japan Open (badminton)
The Japan Open is an annual badminton tournament held in Japan. It became part of the BWF Super Series tournaments in 2007.-Past winners:...
, defeating Xingfang 21-11, 16-21, 30-29. This was the 19th time they have met in an international tournament, with the head-to-head tied at 9-9. Zhang also became the first women's singles player to win a game in international competition with a score of 30-29. During this year the well known Dutch documentary filmmaker Roel van Dalen made the documentary film 'Olympic Journey - The Road to Beijing' on the life of Zhang Ning, which was broadcast on television worldwide.
2007
In 2007, Zhang won her fifth Singapore OpenSingapore Open (badminton)
The Singapore Open is an badminton event that has been held in Singapore annually since 1990, and which is now part of the BWF Super Series tournament that began 2007....
title in six times, beating Xingfang 21-18, 19-21, 21-3. In the World Championships, Xingfang was defeated in the third round by Malaysian Wong Mew Choo, making Zhang a favourite for the title. However, she was stopped in the semi-finals by Wang Chen. This was the second time Wang Chen had beaten her in 2007, after the Indonesian Open
Indonesia Open (badminton)
The Indonesia Open in an annual badminton tournament organized by Persatuan Bulutangkis Seluruh Indonesia and held in Indonesia since 1982. It became part of the BWF Super Series tournament in 2007 and got the Premier Super Series status in 2011....
. Zhang's compatriot Zhu Lin
Zhu Lin
Zhu Lin is a female badminton player from the People's Republic of China.-Career:One of international badminton's leading singles players Zhu Lin's titles include the Thailand , Indonesia , and Malaysia Opens, and, most notably, the 2007 BWF World Championship in Kuala Lumpur. She is a member of...
went on to beat Wang in the final 21-8, 21-12. In the Beijing Good Luck Invitational tournament, Zhang reached the semi-finals to face Zhu Lin but pulled out due to injury.
In the Danish Open
Denmark Open
The Denmark Open, or formerly known as Danish Open, is an annual badminton tournament held in Denmark and organized by Danmarks Badminton Forbund.- History :...
, she reached the final, but lost 17-21, 14-21 to compatriot Lu Lan due to a thigh injury. Zhang also reached the semi-finals of the French Open
French Open (badminton)
The French Open is an annual Badminton tournament held in France since 1909 and hosted by the Fédération Française de Badminton . The 2009 edition will be held from the 27th of October to the 1st of November....
, but was upset was local hope Pi Hongyan
Pi Hongyan
Pi Hongyan is a female badminton player from France.- Career :Pi Hongyan is one of a number of talented Chinese-born badminton players who have emigrated from China, in part, because of the intense competition to gain positions on its national team, and because of the elite status within the sport...
.
In the China Open
China Open (badminton)
The China Open is an annual badminton tournament held in People's Republic of China. It became part of the BWF Super Series tournaments in 2007.-Past winners:...
, Zhang lost in straight sets to Malaysia's Wong Mew Choo in the semi-finals. Zhang cited injury and fatigue as the main reason for her loss.
2008
Zhang's 2008 season started with a first round loss in the Malaysian Open. She was seen coaching her younger teammates in the tournament as well. In the Korean Open, she lost to her former compatriot, Zhou MiZhou Mi
Zhou Mi is a Chinese female badminton player. During much of her career she represented the People's Republic of China, but since 2007 she has represented Hong Kong which has a sports program and teams independent from those of the mainland. In 2010 she received a 2 year ban, for failing a drugs...
, in the quarter-final. Zhou now plays for Hong Kong. In the All England, Zhang and Xie, the top 2 seeds, lost in the first round. This is probably the first time that the top 2 seeds lost in the first round of the All England. However they both bounced back strongly in the Swiss Open to reach the final, for their 22nd international meeting. To be in the final was a relief for Zhang who had failed to get past the quarter finals in three previous tournaments. Still, Xie beat Zhang 21-18, 21-17, bringing their head to head stands to 11:11.
Later, at the Beijing Olympic Games, Zhang progressed to the quarter-final after overcoming South Korean Jun Jae Youn in the third round. She then subdued fifth-seeded Pi Hongyan
Pi Hongyan
Pi Hongyan is a female badminton player from France.- Career :Pi Hongyan is one of a number of talented Chinese-born badminton players who have emigrated from China, in part, because of the intense competition to gain positions on its national team, and because of the elite status within the sport...
of France and Indonesia's Maria Kristin Yulianti
Maria Kristin Yulianti
Maria Kristin Yulianti is a women's singles badminton player from Indonesia. She is one of the most successful female Indonesian badminton players, along with Susi Susanti and Mia Audina.- 2005 :...
21-15, 21-15 to reach the final. There she faced compatriot and world number 1 Xie Xingfang
Xie Xingfang
Xie Xingfang is a female badminton player from the People's Republic of China who has twice won women's singles at the BWF World Championships....
and won in a tough three-setter, 21-12, 10-21, 21-18, to extend her gold medal reign. Zhang became the first badminton player to ever defend an Olympic singles title even though many questioned her ability to do so at the age of 33. She was additionally chosen to represent China as the flag bearer for the 2008 Summer Olympics closing ceremony
2008 Summer Olympics closing ceremony
The 2008 Summer Olympics closing ceremony was held at the Beijing National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest. It was directed by Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou and began at 8:00 pm China Standard Time on August 24, 2008...
.
Retirement
Having previously announced her plans to retire after the 2008 Olympic Games, a retirement ceremony for Zhang and other retiring members of the Chinese national teamChina national badminton team
The China national badminton team represents the People's Republic of China in international badminton team competitions and is controlled by the Badminton Association of the People's Republic of China, the governing body for badminton in China....
was held at the 2008 China Open Badminton Championships
China Open (badminton)
The China Open is an annual badminton tournament held in People's Republic of China. It became part of the BWF Super Series tournaments in 2007.-Past winners:...
in Shanghai in November 2008. After her retirement, Zhang Ning immediately began working with the Chinese national team in coaching and developing the up and coming women's singles players.
Achievement
Prior to the results listed in the performance chart below, Zhang had won the FrenchFrench Open (badminton)
The French Open is an annual Badminton tournament held in France since 1909 and hosted by the Fédération Française de Badminton . The 2009 edition will be held from the 27th of October to the 1st of November....
(1994), Swedish
Swedish Open (badminton)
The Swedish Open was an open badminton tournament that was annually held from 1956 to 1999 after which the organizer, Svenska Badmintonförbundet, could no longer find a suitable sponsor. To some extent it has been replaced by the Swedish International Stockholm tournament.-Winners:...
(1996), Malaysia
Malaysia Open (badminton)
The Malaysia Open is an annual badminton event that commonly held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The tournament has been held since 1937 and has been played in different locations such as Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Penang, Selangor, Kuantan....
(1998), Singapore
Singapore Open (badminton)
The Singapore Open is an badminton event that has been held in Singapore annually since 1990, and which is now part of the BWF Super Series tournament that began 2007....
(2001), and Korea
Korea Open (badminton)
The Korea Open is an annual badminton event that commonly held in Seoul, South Korea. The tournament is also known as Korea Open Super Series because it become one of the BWF Super Series tournament began 2007....
(2002) Opens; the 1998 World Badminton Grand Prix
World Badminton Grand Prix
The World Badminton Grand Prix was an annual badminton tournament organized by the International Badminton Federation to crown the best badminton player of the year. The tournament only invited the top eight players in the year-end world rankings. The tournament started in 1983, with the last...
and Copenhagen Masters
Copenhagen Masters
The Copenhagen Masters is a high-ranking tournament in badminton. It is an invitation tournament held annually since 1993 in the week between Christmas and New Year in Copenhagen. The Danish top players meet thereby the remaining world point leaders. The venue was in the first eleven years the...
; and the 2001 Asian Championships
Badminton Asia Championships
The Badminton Asia Championships is a tournament organized by the Badminton Asia Confederation to crown the best badminton players in Asia....
. She had also earned a bronze medal at the 2001 IBF World Championships
2001 IBF World Championships
The 12th IBF World Championships, also known as the World Badminton Championships, were held in the Palacio de Deportes de San Pablo, Seville, Spain, between 3 June and 10 June 2001.-Medalists:-Men's Singles:-Women's Singles:-Men's Doubles:...
and a second place finish (to compatriot Ye Zhaoying
Ye Zhaoying
Ye Zhaoying is a retired women's singles badminton player from Zhejiang, the People's Republic of China who rates as one of the finest that China or any nation has produced. Officially ranked as the number one player in the world for the first time in December 1995, she lost but regained that...
) at the 1998 All-England Championships
All England Open Badminton Championships
The All England Open Badminton Championships, or simply All England, is one of the world's oldest and most prestigious badminton tournaments. Played annually, it developed after the success of world's first badminton tournament held in Guildford in 1898...
, the one major world title that she never captured.
| Year | Date | Tournament | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 16 August 2008 | BEIJING OLYMPIC GAMES 2008 | Winner |
| 2007 | 6 May 2007 | AVIVA OPEN SINGAPORE 2007 | Winner |
| 2006 | |||
| 22 Oct 2006 | CHINA OPEN | Winner | |
| 15 Oct 2006 | YONEX JAPAN OPEN | Winner | |
| 24 Sep 2006 | WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS | Runner-Up | |
| 02 Sep 2006 | YONEX SUNRISE HONG KONG | Runner-Up | |
| 23 Jul 2006 | Macau Open Championship | Quarter-Finalist | |
| 25 Jun 2006 | CHINESE TAIPEI OPEN | Winner | |
| 18 Jun 2006 | PROTON MALAYSIA OPEN | Winner | |
| 6 May 2006 | UBER CUP | Winner | |
| 12 Mar 2006 | CHINA MASTERS 2006 | Quarter-Finalist | |
| 22 Jan 2006 | YONEX ALL ENGLAND OPEN 2006 | Runner-Up | |
| 15 Jan 2006 | YONEX GERMAN OPEN 2006 | Winner | |
| 2005 | |||
| 13 Nov 2005 | PICC CHINA OPEN 2005 | Winner | |
| 06 Nov 2005 | Yonex Sunrise Hong Kong Badminon Championship 2005 | Winner | |
| 04 Sep 2005 | CHINA MASTERS 2005 | Winner | |
| 21 Aug 2005 | XIV WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2005 | Finalist | |
| 10 Jul 2005 | PROTON MALAYSIA OPEN 2005 | Winner | |
| 03 Jul 2005 | SINGAPORE OPEN 2005 | Winner | |
| 15 May 2005 | SUDIRMAN CUP FINAL 2005 | Team Event | |
| 10 Apr 2005 | YONEX OPEN JAPAN 2005 | Winner | |
| 13 Mar 2005 | YONEX ALL ENGLAND OPEN 2005 | Runner-Up | |
| 05 Mar 2005 | YONEX GERMAN OPEN 2005 | Runner-Up | |
| 2004 | |||
| 21 Nov 2004 | AVIVA OPEN SINGAPORE 2004 | Winner | |
| 14 Nov 2004 | CHINA OPEN 2004 | 1/4 | |
| 21 Aug 2004 | OLYMPIC GAMES 2004 | Winner | |
| 04 Jul 2004 | Proton-Eon MALAYSIA OPEN 2004 | Winner | |
| 16 May 2004 | UBER CUP FINALS 2004 | Team Event | |
| 11 Apr 2004 | YONEX OPEN JAPAN 2004 | Semi-Finalist | |
| 04 Apr 2004 | NOONNOPPI KOREA OPEN 2004 | Winner | |
| 14 Mar 2004 | YONEX ALL ENGLAND OPEN 2004 | Semi-Finalist | |
| 07 Mar 2004 | SWISS OPEN 2004 | Semi-Finalist | |
| 2003 | |||
| 16 Nov 2003 | CHINA OPEN 2003 | 1/4 | |
| 02 Nov 2003 | HONG KONG OPEN 2003 | Winner | |
| 05 Oct 2003 | YONEX GERMAN OPEN 2003 | Winner | |
| 28 Sep 2003 | DENMARK OPEN 2003 | Semi-Finalist | |
| 07 Sep 2003 | PROTON EON MALAYSIA OPEN 2003 | 1/4 | |
| 31 Aug 2003 | SANYO INDONESIA OPEN 2003 | 1/4 | |
| 24 Aug 2003 | YONEX-SUNRISE SINGAPORE OPEN 2003 | Winner | |
| 03 Aug 2003 | World Championships 2003 | Winner | |
| 06 Apr 2003 | Yonex Open Japan 2003 | 1/4 | |
| 23 Mar 2003 | Sudirman Cup 2003 | Team Event | |
| 23 Feb 2003 | Swiss Open 2003 | Winner | |
| 16 Feb 2003 | Yonex All England Open 2003 | Semi-Finalist | |
| 2002 | |||
| 22 Dec 2002 | China Open 2002 | Runner-Up | |
| 17 Nov 2002 | JVC Asian Champs 2002 | Runner-Up | |
| 01 Sep 2002 | Sanyo Indonesia Open 2002 | Runner-Up | |
| 25 Aug 2002 | Yonex-Sunrise Singapore Open 2002 | Runner-Up | |
| 19 May 2002 | Uber Cup Finals (CHN) 2002 TF | Team Event |