KUALA LUMPUR — While most countries struggle to produce even one world-class women’s doubles pair, China continue to prove they are in a league of their own.
The latest example? Reigning Olympic champions Chen Qing Chen and Jia Yi Fan — one of the most dominant partnerships in recent years — have been split up. Not due to injury or poor form, but to help elevate the next generation.
Yi Fan is now paired with Zhang Shu Xian, and the new partnership has already climbed to world No. 15 in just eight tournaments.
Their goal? To win this year’s World Championships in Paris — which would be Yi Fan’s fifth world title, and Shu Xian’s first.
It speaks volumes about China’s depth and long-term planning that they can afford to break up a proven world-class pair to nurture future talent. But for Yi Fan, the move is about more than just strategy — it’s also about responsibility.
It is worth noting that, including world No. 1s Liu Sheng Shu and Tan Ning, along with the previous ranking of Qing Chen and Yi Fan, China currently have three pairs in the world’s top 10.
“When the team needs us to guide younger players, that’s a responsibility. But it’s also my choice,” said 27-year-old Yi Fan to the media.
“I want to pass on the experience.”
Yi Fan and Qing Chen previously won four World Championship titles together — in 2017, 2021, 2022, and 2023. While there’s been speculation that the pair could reunite, Yi Fan appears focused on building a new legacy with Shu Xian.
“The goal was set at the start of the year — to challenge for my fifth world title, and our first as a pair,” she said.
Even in the early matches, the new partnership is already showing promise. On Tuesday, seventh seeds Yi Fan and Shu Xian overcame local youngsters Ong Xin Yee and Carmen Ting 21-11, 17-21, 21-13 in the first round of the Super 500 Malaysia Masters at the Axiata Arena.
They will now face another Malaysian pair, Go Pei Kee and Teoh Mei Xing, in the second round tomorrow. Notably, Pei Kee and Mei Xing had earlier knocked out Jia’s former partner Qing Chen and her new teammate Wang Ting Ge, winning 21-19, 21-19.
Shu Xian, 25, said the three-game encounter was valuable preparation.
“We’re still getting used to things – the wind, the shuttle, and each other. Playing three games was helpful.”
Asked what comforts her most on court, Shu Xian smiled and replied, “Just hearing ‘It’s okay, play casually.’”
Yi Fan added, “Seeing her smile is enough to put me at ease.”
It is a glimpse into a culture where success is not only measured in titles, but also in how players support the next generation. In China’s system, top athletes don’t just win — they help build future champions. – May 21, 2025