Former Chinese shuttlers enjoy new life

GUANGZHOU, Southeast China, May 13 (Xinhua) -- China-born shuttlers play for other teams for different reasons. They all had difficulties in the beginning, but now enjoy their life.

Yao Jie Bounces Back After Poor Year

"It was a miserable life for me in the past year," said Yao, who now represents the Netherlands.

Last year Yao was plagued with injury and won only one event - the Dutch Open. She bowed out in the quarterfinals of European Championships and Chinese Taipei Grand Prix and also failed to qualify for the Beijing Olympics.

"I am recovering," said Yao. "My coach told me that I could still play. But I'm getting older and wonders where the finishing line is."

Pi Hongyan Eyes 2012

Pi won women's singles in India Opens this year, ending a two-year title drought.

"It is quite lucky for me that few Chinese shuttlers took part in," said Pi, France's No. 1 player. "I'm happy to win the title."

That victory helped Pi regain confidence to continue her career.