BANGKOK: He Bingjiao, China's former Youth Olympic Games champion, wants to continue her country's long standing tradition in the Uber Cup by winning the trophy for the 15th time this week.
Since 1998, the China's women's team have consecutively won in all editions, except for the 2010 Uber Cup in Kuala Lumpur when they conceded a 3-1 defeat to South Korea in the final.
Bingjiao attributed the previous successes to strong team spirit and believes the team this year will have to hold on to that if they want to retain the Cup.
"Our past successes were all because of the team's strong spirit and will. The youngsters must fight like that if we want to continue our tradition in the Uber Cup," said Bingjiao following her 21-14, 21-13 win over France's Yaelle Hoyaux in the opening Group D tie here at the IMPACT Arena on Monday.
Favourites China, who eased past France, are also in the same group as Indonesia and Malaysia.
Ahead of the clash against Malaysia on Tuesday, Bingjiao added: "Malaysia are definitely no pushovers.
"This year they seem to have a well-balanced squad, both in singles and doubles."
Despite taking to court first on Monday, Bingjiao is expected to play second singles against former world junior champion Goh Jin Wei on Tuesday.
China's first singles is World No 5 Chen Yufei, who will most likely face national No 1 Soniia Cheah.