Throwback Thursday: Who Were They? The No.1 Seeds -- Yan An and Wu Yang

The preliminary round of the Chinese National Games is approaching. Yan An and Wu Yang are listed as the no.1 seed of the men's singles and women's singles respectively, with the medalists of the Worlds, World Cup Finals and Olympics directly qualified to the final stage of the National Games. Today's Throwback Thursday takes us back in time to the days when Yan An and Wu Yang were emerging young athletes.

Yan An (left) and Wu Yang (right) in 2015 WTTC
Source: Sina Sport

Yan An the 'Young Hopeful' in 2006
Beijing-born Yan An was coached by his father who is the head coach of the Beijing women's team. Despite playing shakehand grip, he is influenced by his father who plays penhold style, and is known for his speed and great first three ball contacts. Combining the best of the shakehand and the penhold, Yan An stood out in junior competitions and entered the Chinese national team (the B Team), at the age of 13 in 2006. Here's the 2006 and 2007 Under 17 Challenge in which two promising young players, Yan An and Fang Bo, played against each other.

U17 Challenge 2006 -- Yan An Vs Fang Bo 

U17 Challenge 2007 -- Yan An Vs Fang Bo

Yan An was defeated by Fang Bo at 1-4 in 2006. A year later in 2007, Yan An improved his backhand flick and consistency. The score was closen to 3-4 but it was not enough to win Fang Bo. Yan An and Fang Bo have played against each other for many times. One of the most critical one is the trials in 2011 which Yan An and Fang Bo fight for the remaining spot to the Worlds. It was a fierce match. Fang Bo took the first match point in the 7th set but Yan An made a comeback and played in the mixed doubles event in 2011 WTTC (no footage for this match...what a pity!) The match between the teammates/ roommates/ close friends does not end. In 2017 Hungarian Open, Yan An played a 4-0 sweep in the match against Fang Bo in the quarterfinals (watch it here). The past 'young hopefuls'  have become 'giant slayers' who shine on international stages and challenge the dominant top players like Ma Long, Zhang Jike and Xu Xin.

Wu Yang Defends Her Way to the Worlds

There are many great defenders/choppers in the international scene, Kim Song I, Kim Kyung Ah, Li Jie etc.While few can be found in the Chinese team, not to mention to secure a top spot in the competitive Chinese team. Wu Yang is an exception but her path to the top of the ladder is not easy at all. Wu Yang entered Chinese national team (B Team) in 2005 but it took her almost 5 years to promote to the A Team. Fortunately she did not give up at that time and made her way to the Worlds team. Let's have a look at her first Trials in 2010 which she was defeated by Li Xiaoxia and it is also her most relaxed trials. After that, we have the Slovenia Open in 2011 which she beat Li Xiaoxia and earned the ticket to Worlds in Rotterdam. Wu Yang reckoned this is one of the most unforgettable matches she has ever played.

Li Xiaoxia Vs Wu Yang -- Chinese Trials 2010

Li Xiaoxia Vs Wu Yang in 2011 Slovenia Open (Watch it here!)

Mixed Doubles: Wu Yang and Yan An

Talking about Yan An and Wu Yang, many might recall the unconventional pair, attacker/chopper, in 2015 World Championship. Such pair pattern takes a lot of depth and versatility from both players as the attacker needs to adapt to the change of spin and rhythm after the block while the chopper needs to be all-rounded enough to attack whenever opportunity comes. The pair is fun to watch (watch the amazing doubles here!) but they will not pair up in the upcoming Chinese National Games.


Bonus: Yan An imitates Wu Yang's forehand loop in 2017 Chinese New Year Party

Looking for More about the Chinese National Games?
Schedule of the Preliminary Round of the Chinese National Games:
7 Events in 7 Days!
Line-up of the Preliminary Round of the Chinese National Games:
The Hardy Hundreds!
Team Draw of the Preliminary Round of the Chinese National Games:
More than the Marvellous 12!

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