At the 2025 All England Open, Chen Fanghui and her partner Guo Xinwa made a breakthrough to claim the top spot on the podium. Although they failed to defend their title this year, they still advanced the farthest among all Chinese mixed doubles pairs. Over the past two years, Chen feels that she and her partner have been maturing, becoming more grounded mentally, and developing a stronger ability to face difficulties.
**Driven Forward by a Partner**
**Q: What was your first impression of your partner, and how do you see him now? (From a fan named “A Spoonful of Squid Sauce”)**
A: I used to think Guo Xinwa was very low-key—he was always on the team but never stood out. Now I see him as mature and responsible. He pushes our pair forward and always gives me confidence.
**Q: Describe your partners with one word each, including but not limited to Guo Xinwa, Cheng Xing, Huang Jiawei, Guo Ruohan, and Gao Jiaxuan. (From “Black Feather Flying Ball”)**
A: Guo Xinwa: steady; Cheng Xing: passionate; Gao Jiaxuan: potential. The others were too long ago, I don’t remember them well!
**Q: What do you do to relax when you’re under pressure? (From “The World is Like a Mental Hospital” and “Glowing XX”)**
A: I go sing karaoke.
**Q: What kind of places do you like to travel to, and what do you pay most attention to when visiting a place? (From “whisper-1105”)**
A: Probably places with a sea. I focus on the accommodation environment.
**Q: Are you a cat person or a dog person? (From “Don’t Want to Talk”)**
A: Dog person.
**Q: Besides badminton, what other hobbies do you have? Can you update your social media more often? (From “-Blueberryuni7”)**
A: My hobbies come and go. If I feel like posting, I will!
**Q: Is there anything you’ve always wanted to do or a challenge you’ve always wanted to take on? (From “A Spoonful of Squid Sauce”)**
A: Learn to dance! Haha!
**Q: If you were to play women’s doubles, who would you most want to partner with? (From “In Short, One by One”, “Z_sxxian”, and “CoconutHearts”)**
A: Pi Pi (Liu Shengshu) and Shu Xian (Li Yijing). I haven’t paired with either of them yet.
**Q: Playing women’s doubles with Wei Yaxin would create sparks?**
A: We’d swing so hard our arms might catch fire!
**Q: Who is your best friend? You have to name one! (From “Mentos A Yaya”)**
A: Although… I have to say it’s always been Yaya (Li Yijing).
**Q: Did you know Yaya from childhood? When did you find out you share the same birthday? (From “CoconutHearts” and “Plant Soy Milk is Delicious”)**
A: We met at a training camp. I don’t remember exactly when I found out, but I remember sending her birthday wishes via WeChat direct message.
**Q: What was your impression of Yaya when you first knew her? (From “Mai” and “001 Sheep Milk Roll”)**
A: Cute, and she played really well.
**Q: Imagine you and Yaya officially compete in women’s doubles. What would it be like? (From “Mai”)**
A: At first, we’d be very fast because we’re both used to the rhythm of mixed doubles, focusing on serve and receive. Once we got familiar, we might swing so hard in the backcourt that our arms would create sparks.
**Q: Any small goals for the new year? (From “Umbrella Rain Umbrella w” and “-gogious-“)**
A: Stay healthy and happy!
**Q: Do you see yourself as an extrovert or introvert? What’s your MBTI? (From “Umbrella Rain Umbrella w”)**
A: The last time I tested it was ISTP (though it’s been a while).
**Q: If you weren’t an athlete, what job would you choose? (From “Umbrella Rain Umbrella w”)**
A: I’ve never thought about it.
**Q: Do you know your little tiger teeth are especially cute? Haha. (From “Don’t Eat Fried Eggs from Strangers”)**
A: I know now. Haha.
**Q: Who do you admire most in the team? (From “A Spoonful of Squid Sauce”)**
A: Sister Yaqiong (Huang Yaqiong).
**Most Memorable: All England Champion**
**Q: Were you happier winning the All England or winning a medal at the World Championships? (From “Tongyun_tyy”)**
A: The All England title, because it’s truly beyond imagination.
**Q: Which match do you think was your best so far? (From “Please Don’t Argue When I Say Something Good”)**
A: The five matches at the 2025 All England! Haha!
**Q: What sport other than badminton would you most like to try? (From “Carrot Bob Ben Bob Ma”)**
A: Baseball.
**Q: Can you name the three most outgoing and three most introverted people in the team? (From “001 Sheep Milk Roll”)**
A: I think most people lean toward introverted. The younger ones are fun and full of energy.
**Q: If you could replay one match, which would it be? (From “Tongyun_tyy”)**
A: The match where Chen Tangjie/Du Yiwei turned the tables on us.
**Q: What’s your favorite SEVENTEEN song? (From “sulii_ia”)**
A: “LOVE, MONEY, FAME.”
**Q: Looking back, what are your biggest regret and greatest pride in your badminton career? (From “Step Back and Jump”)**
A: My biggest regret is not yet being a world champion. My greatest pride is that I’ve persisted.
**A More Stable Core**
**Q: You seem great at taking photos. Any tips? And between you and Yaya, who’s better at it? (From “Mai” and “Qingtian Huixingfu”)**
A: Huh? I just go by feel, no special techniques. Yaya is definitely better!
**Fast Questions: BBQ or Hotpot? Water or Coffee? Attack or Defense? Thriller or Comedy? (From “Micro Spicy Hot and Sour Noodles -“)**
A: Hotpot; Coffee; Attack; Comedy.
**Q: As a Hunanese, can you still handle spicy food? Has your tolerance decreased? Do you prefer Hunan or Cantonese cuisine? (From “whisper-1105”)**
A: Not as much as before, but I still love Hunan cuisine best.
**Q: How did you spend your birthday this year? (From “Micro Spicy Hot and Sour Noodles -“)**
A: The day before, I treated some teammates who were leaving for the Uber Cup to dinner. On my birthday, friends came to Beijing to celebrate a happy birthday with Yaya and me. I’m grateful!
**Q: Looking back at yourself two years ago, what changes do you notice? (From “Mai”)**
A: Zhou Meng said I seem more grounded and mature. Personally, I feel I can face changes and difficulties more calmly. Of course, I still have moments when I break down, but I adjust myself and try to stay positive. As long as you persist, you’ll find many surprises along the way. Facing greater difficulties, always keep your original intention, your respect, and a positive mindset.
*This article is excerpted from the May 2026 issue of Badminton Magazine.*
