WHAT THEY SAY:

16 AUGUST 2008

Comments from the women’s singles bronze medal match between China’s Lu Lan against Indonesia’s Maria Kristin Yulianti. Maria won 11-21, 21-13, 21-15.

Maria Kristin:

“I dedicate this medal to all Indonesians as we will celebrate our Independence Day tomorrow. This win also proves that Indonesia’s women’s singles players can perform at the highest level.”

Comments from the women’s singles gold medal match between China’s Xie Xingfang and Zhang Ning. Zhang Ning won 21-12, 10-21, 21-18.

Zhang Ning:

“Two years ago, I wasn’t even sure of competing in these (Beijing 2008) Olympics. But the opportunity and privilege to play in the Olympics at home is too great to miss, hence my decision to play.”

“When I won the gold medal in Athens, I was already 29 years old. Furthermore the last three months have been hard as my knee was swollen but my coaches always gave me words of encouragement and that spurred me on. The victory today didn’t come easy but it is worth it.”

Xie Xingfang:

“I am disappointed that I lost but I believe both of us played very well and there has to be a winner.”

“I hope Lin Dan will beat Lee Chong Wei (of Malaysia in the men’s singles final) tomorrow.”