Wuhan welcome prodigal son Hu Yun
After taking a six-month break from his badminton career Hong Kong China's Hu Yun is back in action - competing in the Badminton Asia Championships in Wuhan, China.
The 38-year-old who hails from Wuhan, Hubei Province, qualified for the main draw with a 21-11, 21-13 win over Mongolia's Batdavaa Munhkbat. He plays Indonesian veteran Tommy Sugiarto for a place in the second round.
Hu Yun is all "excited" with his coming match against Sugiarto - son of Indonesia's former world champion Icuk Sugiarto - and has a string of title behind him.
However, it is not the same as Hu Yun. He has no such credentials behind him. Instead, Hu Yun has never won any title in his badminton career thus far.
While keeping his fingers crossed that he will be able to win an elusive title before he hangs up his racquet, Hu Yun recollects the 2016 Singapore Open where he lost to reigning world champion and current world No 1 Kento Momota of Japan.
"It was a three-game affair but I could not finish him off. I was leading 12-7 in the decider but just could not keep my foot on the gas," said Hu Yun, who moved to Hong Kong China in 2006.
Married with a seven-year-old son, Hu Yun revealed that he sees hope in his junior.
"He is already picking up the sport. I see hope in my son...probably he could achieve where I failed."
Despite his failures, Hu Yun is glad that he is still able to play "competitive badminton" and will not throw in the towel just yet although the game has got tougher.
"I am surprised with the support from the 'home' fans I got. It was motivating and I hope to keep the momentum in Wuhan," said Hu Yun, adding that the six-month break has somewhat "refreshed" him.
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