Source: CCTV.com

08-16-2008 13:46

Special Report:   2008 Beijing Olympic Games

In an all-Chinese final in the women's badminton singles, Zhang Ning has defeated Xie Xingfang to take the gold. The two time Olympic champion is one of the veterans of China's national badminton team.

Zhang Ning says "I've always considered badminton quite a noble sport.  It is full of grace and elegance. It takes an all-around person to be a good badminton player. On the court, you have to play real smart, and this has to be  combined with physical strength. The right mentality is also very important. You shouldn't take too much for granted on the court. For me, the Olympic Games is a sacred event, and all of us are doing our utmost for it."

Zhang Ning of China celebrates for a point while competing against  teammate Xie Xingfang at the women's singles gold medal match during  the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games badminton event, in Beijing, China,  Aug. 16, 2008. Zhang Ning won the match 2-1 and grabbed  the gold medal of the event. (Xinhua/Zhang Chen)