PETALING JAYA: South Korean mixed doubles shuttler Chae Yu-jung (pic), who captured the world title in 2023, has decided to hang up her racquet.
Yu-jung memorably combined with Seo Seung-jae to win the world crown in Copenhagen before splitting up with the latter last year.
The 30-year-old formed a partnership with youngster Lee Jong-min but has struggled to regain her best form.
Yu-jung fell to a disappointing defeat to Scotland’s Alexander Dunn-Julie Macpherson along with Jong-min in the French Open first round at the Glaz Arena in Cesson Sevigne on Wednesday in what was her swansong.
“Since the beginning of the year, I have been thinking about this (retiring) seriously,” said Yu-jung via social media.
“Currently, there has not been any specific selection for mixed doubles in the national team.
“If I do want to remain in the national team, I need to switch to women’s doubles. It will be very difficult for me to play another event as I have been focusing on mixed doubles for so long.
“I also don’t have the confidence required to start from scratch again. So, I have decided to end my career as a national athlete.”
Yu-jung will end her journey in the Korean national team after 15 years.
“For 15 years, I fought hard and gave everything to the national team. I have no regrets when it comes to my efforts in training or competitions,” said Yu-jung.
“The support and faith from coaches, teammates and fans helped me overcome various challenges. I want to thank everyone who stood by me over the years.”
Besides the World Championships gold, Yu-jung also claimed six World Tour titles with Seung-jae including the China Open in 2023.
The duo split up after failing to win a medal in the Paris Olympics last year despite high expectations.
Seung-jae has gone on to form a formidable partnership with Kim Won-ho in the men’s doubles.
The pair won the world crown in Paris in August and reached world No. 1.
