One thing is for sure these games the triumphal podium for the ladies singles will be entirely different because all the 2008 medallists don’t play anymore. Zhang Ning is the present Chinese coach of the ladies single players, Xie Xingfang holds the hand of Lin Dan and Maria Kristin Yulianti was last seen at the East Java sawas.
Wang Yihan should be the big favourite during these Olympic Games. After all she is the present number one of the world who conquered the 2011 world championship in the same Wembley Stadium. In 2012 she “only” won the Malaysian Open. In the other big tournaments another Chinese lady player managed to perform better.
The lady who is in very good shape is the very young Li Xuerui. Actually she didn’t qualify for the games. According to the world ranking of 3 May she ranked only 4 where she should have been among the best 3. Thanks to her excellent performances in the past season the Chinese Olympic Committee decided to delegate her and to leave home the number three of the world Wang Shixian. Li’s achievements speak for themselves. She won the German Open, the All England, the Asian Championships and the India Super Series. In Indonesia she was runner up. By far the best performance of all but the question is now if she will prove herself in London.
Fortunately Europe has very good players too. How about Yao Jie who has to play Ragna from Iceland and Akvile Stapusaityte, the Lithuanian who plays for Duinwijck. Jie should be able to make it through the group but after that she will have a very difficult task beating the fourth seeded Indian Nehwal. Still I believe Jie can press Nehwal hard. I have seen her training at Papendal and she looks very strong.
A European with potential to win a medal is Juliane Schenk. In Singapore she won her first Super series and she has shown to be able to beat everyone.
My prediction is:
Gold: Li Xuerui
Silver: Â Saina Nehwal
Bronze: Juliane Schenk
Tags: badminton, jorrit de ruiter, ladies singles, Londen, Olympic Games, preview