Shang counts on sporting parental guidance
The Straits Times|December 19, 2024
China's Shang Juncheng said his competitive spirit was down to having professional athletes as parents and the 19-year-old is keen to showcase the lessons he has learnt from their careers at this week's Next Gen ATP Finals in Saudi Arabia.

Shang, the son of former China football international Shang Yi and former table tennis world champion Wu Na, enjoyed a breakthrough 2024 and climbed to a career-high world ranking of 47 in October after winning his maiden title in Chengdu.

He will now look to cap off the season with another trophy at the Dec 18-22 tournament, which features eight of the game's brightest players aged 20 and under competing in Jeddah.

"I think the mentality is the same, that you go on court, you try 100 per cent," Shang said about the influence of his parents.

"That's what they've been telling me all the time: You've got to be a competitor, but at the same time, you've got to know your values - sometimes winning isn't the most important thing.

(It's) more to enjoy the competition and the people watching you."

This story is from the December 19, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the December 19, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE STRAITS TIMESView All
The Straits Times

Social acceptance of casual gambling behind lotteries' popularity

Social acceptance of casual gambling and the wide variety of betting options available contribute to the popularity of lotteries and Singapore Pools' growing turnover.

time-read
1 min  |
December 21, 2024
Toyota Camry is the clear champion
The Straits Times

Toyota Camry is the clear champion

This is the second time in the 22-year history of the award that Toyota has won

time-read
5 mins  |
December 21, 2024
Tiny Brazil bar gets 24K Magic moment with Bruno Mars visit
The Straits Times

Tiny Brazil bar gets 24K Magic moment with Bruno Mars visit

A small bar in the Brazilian city of Belo Horizonte named Lacador has got its uptown funk on, following a surprise visit by American pop hit-maker Bruno Mars.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 21, 2024
Jail for blackmailers who extorted from late South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun
The Straits Times

Jail for blackmailers who extorted from late South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun

A bar hostess and a former actress who extorted a total of 350 million won (S$328,000) from late South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun were sentenced to prison on Dec 19, local media reported.

time-read
1 min  |
December 21, 2024
Naomi Neo, Jianhao Tan still Singapore's top influencers
The Straits Times

Naomi Neo, Jianhao Tan still Singapore's top influencers

Singaporean content creators Naomi Neo and Jianhao Tan have emerged again as the country's top influencers, according to figures released by media intelligence and data analytics firm Meltwater in a new report on Dec 19.

time-read
1 min  |
December 21, 2024
Jeered Olympic breakdancer Raygun says row over musical resolved
The Straits Times

Jeered Olympic breakdancer Raygun says row over musical resolved

Australian Olympic breakdancer Rachael \"Raygun\" Gunn says her legal dispute with the maker of a parody musical about her has been resolved, with a new version planned.

time-read
1 min  |
December 21, 2024
CAR-FREE SUNDAY A HIT IN COLOMBIA
The Straits Times

CAR-FREE SUNDAY A HIT IN COLOMBIA

Fifty years ago, a 28-year-old Colombian with a bushy beard, flares and vintage Raleigh bicycle led a revolution on the streets of Bogota.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 21, 2024
New Freed is more efficient, punchy and refined
The Straits Times

New Freed is more efficient, punchy and refined

Honda's dual-motor hybrid compact seven-seater is now more than a match for Toyota's Sienta

time-read
3 mins  |
December 21, 2024
Toyota Camry is the clear champion
The Straits Times

Toyota Camry is the clear champion

This is the second time in the 22-year history of the award that Toyota has won

time-read
3 mins  |
December 21, 2024
How to buy a pre-loved gift someone might actually want
The Straits Times

How to buy a pre-loved gift someone might actually want

If you plan to regift, consider second-hand handbags, watches, jewellery and outerwear, as these are popular items among recipients

time-read
4 mins  |
December 21, 2024