Badminton is a sport that has gained immense popularity, especially in Asian countries. Among the many talented players in this sport, one name stands out – Chen Long. He is a Chinese badminton player who has dominated the court for over a decade, earning numerous accolades and becoming a household name in his country. In this blog post, we will delve into the life and achievements of Chen Long, also known as the “Supreme Court Master” in China.
Early Life and Background
Chen Long was born on January 18, 1989, in Shashi District, Jingzhou City, Hubei Province, China. He began playing badminton at the age of five, inspired by his father who was a badminton coach. As a child, he showed great interest and potential in the sport, and his parents decided to enroll him in a local badminton training school when he was just seven years old.
At the training school, Chen Long trained rigorously under the guidance of his father and other coaches. His hard work and dedication paid off when he won his first junior tournament at the age of nine. This victory motivated him to pursue a career in badminton and become a top player in the world.
Rise to Success in Badminton
Chen Long made his international debut in 2007 at the Vietnam Open Junior Championships, where he reached the finals but lost to his compatriot Wang Zhengming. However, this did not discourage him, and he continued to participate in more tournaments and hone his skills.
In 2008, Chen Long won his first senior title at the Polish International Challenge, defeating Malaysia’s Liew Daren in the finals. This victory propelled him to train harder and aim for bigger tournaments. In 2009, he won the Chinese National Championships, and in the same year, he won his first Super Series title at the Korea Open. He defeated Olympic gold medalist Lin Dan in the semi-finals and Lee Chong Wei in the finals, making him the youngest player to win a Super Series title at the age of 20.
The following year, Chen Long continued his winning streak by winning the Asian Badminton Championships, defeating his teammate Du Pengyu in the finals. He also made it to the quarter-finals of the World Championships, where he lost to Lin Dan in a close match. This marked the beginning of a friendly rivalry between Chen Long and Lin Dan, who was considered the greatest badminton player of all time.
In 2012, Chen Long represented China at the London Olympics and won a bronze medal in the men’s singles category. The following year, he won the Asian Championships for the second time, defeating Lin Dan in the finals. He also won two more Super Series titles that year, solidifying his position as one of the top players in the world.
Achievements and Accolades
Chen Long’s career reached its peak in 2014 when he won the prestigious All England Open, defeating Lee Chong Wei in the finals. This victory made him the second Chinese player to win the All England Open after Lin Dan. Later that year, he won his first World Championship title, defeating Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen in the finals.
In 2015, Chen Long defended his World Championship title and became the first Chinese player to do so. He defeated Lee Chong Wei in the finals, earning himself the nickname “Supreme Court Master” in China. In the same year, he also won the prestigious BWF World Super Series Finals, cementing his position as the top player in the world.
Chen Long continued to dominate in 2016, winning the Malaysia Open and reaching the finals of the All England Open. He then went on to win his first Olympic gold medal at the Rio Olympics, defeating Lee Chong Wei in a thrilling match. This victory made him the third Chinese player after Lin Dan and Zhang Ning to win an Olympic gold medal in badminton.
In 2017, Chen Long successfully defended his All England Open title and reached the finals of the World Championships, but lost to Viktor Axelsen. However, he bounced back in 2018 by winning the China Open and reaching the finals of the Asian Games, where he lost to Indonesia’s Jonathan Christie.
Impact on Chinese Badminton
Chen Long’s incredible achievements have had a significant impact on Chinese badminton. He has become a role model for young players, inspiring them to work hard and achieve their dreams. His friendly rivalry with Lin Dan has also brought more attention to badminton in China and increased the popularity of the sport.
Moreover, Chen Long’s success has helped China maintain its dominance in badminton. China has been the leading nation in this sport, consistently producing top players like Lin Dan, Li Xuerui, and Wang Yihan. Chen Long has lived up to the expectations of being a top Chinese player, bringing home numerous titles and medals for his country.
Personal Life and Interests
Apart from badminton, Chen Long has various other interests. He is an avid fan of football and supports the English Premier League club Manchester United. He is also passionate about cars and enjoys driving in his free time. Chen Long is also a music lover and has released several singles in collaboration with other artists, showcasing his singing talent.
Chen Long is married to former women’s doubles player Wang Shixian. The couple tied the knot in a lavish wedding ceremony in 2018, attended by many badminton stars. Wang Shixian retired from professional badminton the same year to focus on her personal life, while Chen Long continues to compete in tournaments and make his country proud.
Conclusion
Chen Long’s story is one of hard work, determination, and success. From a young boy with a dream to becoming one of the best badminton players in the world, he has come a long way. Chen Long’s dominance in the sport has earned him the title of “China’s Badminton Titan,” and his achievements have made him a household name in his country.
At 31 years old, Chen Long shows no signs of slowing down. He continues to compete at the highest level and inspire future generations of badminton players. His legacy in the sport will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come, and he will always be an icon in Chinese badminton history.
