Badminton: Olympic bronze-winning pair Chiharu Shida, Nami Matsuyama to part ways
Shida, 28, plans to form a new women's doubles partnership with two-time Olympic mixed doubles bronze medalist Arisa Igarashi, while the 27-year-old Matsuyama is considering a move into mixed doubles.
At a press conference in southwestern Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture, the pair spoke of how their paths diverged after claiming the bronze medal at last summer's Olympics.
While Shida wanted to become "the best in the world," Matsuyama felt she had maximized her potential in the event.
"I worked as hard as I could for the Olympics," Matsuyama said. "I couldn't imagine myself getting even stronger, and I didn't want to stand in the way of my partner aiming higher."
They will play their last competition on home soil together at the Japan Open from July 15, before turning their attention to the world championships in Paris.
"I've spent more time with Matsuyama than with my family," Shida said. "Since our last competition is in Paris, with which we have a special connection, I want to win the world championship there."
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