THE BEST OF ASIA: ZHANG YIMAN
Zhang Yiman, born in Hunan, China, is a Chinese player. She is currently ranked #38 in BWF’s world ranking for Women’s Singles, peaking at #32 just earlier this year in March.
The 23-year-old first began playing the sport in 2005 but made her professional debut in 2012. Zhang first made a name for herself on the international stage back in the 2016 Macau Open after defeating Saina Nehwal to reach the Semi-finals of the tournament. She reached the semis again the following year in Macau.
However, it wasn’t until 2019 when she first won her major international medal. At the 2018 New Zealand Open, she won a Silver medal after competing against Japanese player Sayaka Takahashi. The following year, she also racked up 2 other silver medals at the 2019 Lingshui China Masters and Belarus International.
But at the 2019 Vietnam Open, she was finally able to get a taste of victory. At her 3rd major final, she beat Japan’s Asuka Takahashi in straight games 21-18, 21-11 to win the Gold medal. We can’t wait for her to win more medals and find greater success!
Every other week we will feature some of the best players from all around Asia, to highlight their amazing achievements in badminton. Follow us to keep you updated with the next stories!