Selecting a mixed doubles partner for Wang Chuqin from among the junior players served a dual purpose. On one hand, the team had a long-standing tradition of veterans mentoring newcomers: Xu Xin had once partnered with Sun Yingsha, while Lin Gaoyuan had mentored several junior female players down the line, eventually even pairing up with and marrying Wang Manyu.
On the other hand, not a single one of the current top players in the Women's Team was willing to partner with Wang Datou. They had all been close sisters with Shasha for years; how could they possibly step in and steal her partner just because she was away for half a year? What kind of awkwardness would await when she returned?
People had to remember that back in the day, Shasha had stood up to the entire coaching staff, declaring that she would either withdraw from the tournament entirely or play mixed doubles exclusively with Wang Chuqin. And Wang Chuqin had made it clear to the media long ago that his only mixed doubles partner was Sun Yingsha.
Chapter 284