Du Pengyu: A budding Chinese contender to watch in badminton
China is famous for its continuous production of world beaters in the badminton arena and this galaxy of stars ultimately ensures its supremacy at international level. The country’s coaching and training structure along with the planning division is so perfect
that it produces a real champion after every two or three years.
World Number nine Du Pengyu is the latest example of their success as he has reserved a respectable spot in the arena despite of having a short career.
The 24-year-old shuttler rose to prominence in 2012 when he powered his way into Swiss Super Series by overpowering experienced contenders like Kenichi Tago and Hans-Kristian Vittinghus. Though, he failed to proceed and lost to a compatriot shuttler Chen
Long but still his impressive run fetched great deal of respect and admiration for him.
This splendid performance was followed by few more semi-final outings in 2011 Korea Open, 2011 Badminton Asia Championships and a final round exit from Macau Open.
In this ongoing season, he registered his presence by putting an amazing effort in 2012 Korea Open. He overwhelmed big guns like Peter Hoeg Gade and Simon Santoso en route to the semi-final where he knelt down in front of the badminton king Lee Chong Wei.
His continuous progress grabbed the attention of selectors and he was fielded in prestigious events like All England Open, Thomas Cup Finals, Badminton Asia Championships, China Masters and Indonesia Open.
Du Pengyu proved selectors’ decision right by performing exceptionally well in these tournaments. He served notice of his potential by smacking down players like former World and Olympic champion Taufik Hidayat, Chen Long and Sony Dwi Kuncoro.
The young but talented Chinese shuttler looked at top of his game during 2012 Badminton Asia Championships and 2012 Indonesia Open as he clinched second spot on the victory stand in both tournaments.
In Badminton Asia Championships, he was dominated by the seasoned Chen Jin and faced a straight-set defeat but this did not stop his expedition at international level as he alarmed all the contestants by making it to the finals in the very next event.
This time he was up against the spirited Indonesian player Simon Santoso. He put an honest effort but luck was not on his side and he had to raise runners-up trophy in Indonesia Open.
Du Pengyu’s latest achievement is a final round entry in Denmark Open. He employed all of his confidence in this Premier Super Series and finished it by standing at second step on the victory stand.
He kick-started his campaign by casting out Ajay Jayaram in the opening match and then secured a quarter-final berth by unseating Marc Zwiebler of Germany in the second round. It was an easy road to victory for him in the round of eight as he did not find
any trouble to overcome Tan Chun Seang of Malaysia.
Du Pengyu was subjected to a tough trial in the semi-finals as he was scheduled to meet World Number three Chen Long but he passed this test with distinction. He registered a straight-set win over his compatriot shuttler and cruised to the title match.
The grand finale saw him swinging arms against the Malaysian ace Chong Wei and this encounter proved the best match of this tournament as the Chinese youngster showed commendable fighting spirit and walked tall despite of losing this crucial tussle.
Now when his role model Lin Dan is planning to bid farewell in next couple of years, the young Du Pengyu has become one of the strong contenders towards becoming the maestro’s true successor. Few more victories and he will find himself in top five shuttlers
of the world.
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