Chinese badminton players Zheng Siwei (first from right) and Huang Yaqiong (second from right) take a selfie with their opponents after winning the mixed doubles gold at the BWF World Tour Finals on December 15, 2024 in Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang Province. Photo: Cui Meng/GT

China's badminton legend Zheng Siwei leaves the national team on a high note as he and teammate Huang Yaqiong won the mixed doubles title at the BWF World Tour Finals on Sunday.

The duo defeated Malaysian pair Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei in the final 21-18, 14-21 and 21-17 in Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang Province. It is Zheng's finale for the national team.

"Winning this championship was something we didn't expect before the tournament. Our goal had simply been to stay on court as long as possible and play as many matches as we could," Zheng told reporters after finishing the match. "That was our ultimate objective for this event. It wasn't until we made it to the finals that we started hoping to end this journey with a truly perfect and fulfilling conclusion." 

Zheng led the crowd inside the arena, passionately chanting seven times "Ya-Si never ends," a reference to the pair's given name abbreviation, to celebrate his seven-year partnership with Huang. 

He explained that the pair's spirit of fighting bravely on the court will continue to be passed down and carried forward within the Chinese national badminton team. 

"In this tournament, our opponents were in better overall form, and we knew our performance wasn't as strong," Zheng told the Global Times. "But I still did everything I could to win. What we truly want the 'Ya-Si' pair to convey isn't just about achievements, but an attitude of never giving up - whether in competition or life." 

Over the past seven seasons, the duo has won several major titles, including the Olympic gold medal in the summer of 2024 in Paris and three world championship titles.

Even their final opponents gave credit to the longtime Chinese pair. 

"We look up to them. They've been partners for seven years, while we've been together for less than two years," Chen said. "Their trust and communication with each other are crucial qualities for doubles players."

"Their determination and ability to handle key moments and many other aspects are things we aspire to learn from," Toh added.

However, Zheng did not rule out pairing with Huang in domestic competitions as the National Games will take place in 2025. The two are both affiliated with the local Zhejiang team.

Zheng's son, nicknamed Aiden, made a surprise appearance during the journalist-packed post-match press conference, drawing applause from the reporters covering the tournament.

Zheng is married to former gymnast Liu Yuwen, Aiden's mother, while Huang got engaged to national men's doubles player Liu Yuchen at the Paris Olympics.

Both Zheng and Huang emphasized their mutual understanding and respect through their partnership. "As partners, we know we're the best for each other, and we couldn't have achieved this without one another," Huang said. 

Zheng echoed her sentiments, adding, "Together, we are 'Ya-Si.' A duo isn't about just one person; we are 'Ya-Si' together."

Earlier on Sunday, women's singles world No.2 Wang Zhiyi made an impressive comeback in the women's singles final to defeat compatriot Han Yue 19-21, 21-19, 21-11 to claim the championship. 

The 24-year-old admitted that the match was filled with challenges, especially in the second game. 

"The second-game comeback gave me a big confidence boost," she said. "I could also see that my opponent was struggling physically, so I focused on maintaining my game and staying determined."

This victory at the final marked Wang's first appearance at the prestigious event. She said she was pleased with her overall experience.

"This tournament has been a full experience for me," she told reporters. "From the group stage loss to the elimination matches, then to the semifinals and finals, it's been a huge learning process for me. I faced different opponents, and it really helped me grow as a player."

Looking back on her 2024 season, Wang noted several important milestones, including her victory at the Indonesia Open in January, which gave her the confidence to compete at the highest level. 

"Winning in Indonesia was a breakthrough that helped me feel more confident going into other matches," Wang said. "This year, there were certainly some highlights, but also areas I need to improve, especially with my inconsistent form. I will continue to reflect on my performances to improve further."

As the upcoming season features a home Surdiman Cup in April 2025 in Xiamen, East China's Fujian Province, Wang said she is ready to take on future challenges. 

"I hope to become stronger and take on more responsibility for the team," she said, before noting she wants to shoulder some pressure for elder teammate Chen Yufei. "I want to help share the pressure with Chen and make sure that the burden doesn't fall on her alone. We're all in this together, and I'm excited to contribute to the team's success."

In the last match of the finals, China's Shi Yuqi defeated Anders Antonsen of Denmark 21-18, 21-14 in the men's final, winning his second World Tour Finals title.