World No.1 male badminton duo plays for the last time

Lee Yong-dae (28, Samsung Electro-Mechanics) and Yoo Yeon-seong (30, Suwon City Hall) are the current no. 1-ranked duo in men’s badminton in the world. The badminton duo was first teamed up in August 2013 and has kept the top position for more than two years since August 2014.

Victor Korea Open Super Series 2016, which is being held in Seongnam City throughout this week, will be the last stage to see Lee and Yoo on the same badminton court. Lee will retire from the national team after the tournament, and Yoo is planning to find a new teammate. Yoo will also play in the mixed doubles. Lee joined the national team in 2006 when he was only 18 years old and played in the national team for 10 years. “I cannot believe I've spent 10years in the national team. I tried to do my best all the time and leave no regret behind,” Lee said. “I am full of mixed feelings now.”

It is surprising that the Korean male duo achieved 19 victories at international games for just three years. Unfortunately, the team failed to win a gold medal in the Rio Olympics after losing the match at the quarterfinals. “I try to play my part well but I could not and I am sorry for that. I wanted to wrap it up successfully but things didn’t go well,” Lee said. “I turned off my mobile phone for a month before the Olympics to focus more on the game, but I guess I was intimidated by too much pressure. I am not retiring and this is not the end. I still have opportunities,” Yoo said in a raised tone, showing his passion.

The 28-year-old Lee is still a world-class level badminton player. Some practical problems lie behind his decision on leaving the national team. As a member of the national team, he is faced with a series of restrictions in sponsorship agreements. In addition, regulations state that world’s top 10 players are obliged to play in international games. “Playing badminton has become more entertaining to me these days. I am still qualified to play in international games as an individual player, instead national team player. I am considering playing in overseas leagues in Indonesia or India,” Lee said.

Yoo was married to a Japanese woman and had his first daughter this month. “I have a family and I am taking on more responsibilities,” Yoo said.

The duo is gearing up for its second consecutive win at the 2016 Victor Korea Open Super Series. “We are excited to meet Korean fans. After all of the games end, we want to celebrate our last game,” they said with a smile.

성남=김종석기자 kjs0123@donga.com