Made in China

     If you took China against the field in the Badminton mixed doubles and women's singles, you would now be at the pay window.  There were some spirited matches and the crowd lustily encouraged some of the opponents, particularly a mixed doubles team from Denmark and a pony-tailed young woman from Thailand who took their matches to three sets.  It was not to be.  The Chinese even defeated two opponents from China-Taipei and China-Hong Kong (yes, they compete as separate countries).
     It should be noted that this is not your backyard badminton.  At the Olympic level, it is extremely fast with power shots from the back line and deft drops from anywhere.  It is highly entertaining with long rallies and great athleticism.
     Interesting remark in the London press from Genna Spofforth, Britain's 100-meter Backstroke specialist.  She transferred to the University of Florida to train because there was more time to concentrate on swimming than in Britain, where she could not study and compete.
     Check out the effort of China's male partner in one of the mixed doubles matches: