In search of a new savior

China looking to make some net gains ahead of Tokyo Games

Setbacks at world championships have underlined China's decline in international badminton, with the lack of formidable leaders casting a shadow on the nation's prospects for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Once considered a showcase of Chinese talent, the BWF World Championships have become a major stumbling block. At the 2018 edition, which wrapped up in Nanjing on the weekend, the host claimed just two gold medals - in men's doubles and mixed doubles - equaling its worst outcome in two decades at the marquee tournament.