China Sports Weekly (1.25-1.31)
BEIJING, Feb. 1 (Xinhua) -- Here are the latest Chinese sports headlines from the past week:
1. Gu, Su spearhead China's 126-athlete squad for Milan-Cortina 2026
China announced on January 27 its delegation for the upcoming Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, comprising 286 members, including 126 athletes.
With an average age of 25, the squad will be led by defending Olympic champions Gu Ailing in freestyle skiing and Su Yiming in snowboarding.
They will be joined by veterans such as short track speed skater Fan Kexin, freestyle skier Xu Mengtao and figure skating pair Sui Wenjing and Han Cong, all gold medalists on home ice and snow at Beijing 2022, where China won 15 medals, including nine golds.
A total of 67 athletes will make their Olympic debut in Milan-Cortina, and the youngest team member is 17-year-old snowboard halfpipe athlete Ren Chongshuo.
2. China's Zhang and Belgium's Mertens win Australian Open women's doubles title
China's Zhang Shuai won her third Grand Slam women's doubles title after combining with Elise Mertens to beat seventh seeds Anna Danilina and Aleksandra Krunic in the Australian Open final on January 31.
The fourth seeds overcame a slow start and some late nerves to prevail 7-6 (4), 6-4 in one hour and 48 minutes at Rod Laver Arena.
It is the first major title for the pairing of Belgium's Mertens and Zhang, who were runners-up at Wimbledon in 2022.
3. China's Chen Yufei claims women's singles title at Indonesia Masters
China's Chen Yufei lifted the women's singles trophy after defeating Thailand's Pitchamon Opatniputh in the final of the 2026 Indonesia Masters at the Istora Senayan Sports Stadium on January 25.
The Olympic champion secured the BWF Super 500 title in straight games, 23-21, 21-13, displaying composure and sharp attacking play, particularly in the second game.
This victory marked Chen's second meeting with Pitchamon this month. In early January, Chen edged past the Thai teenager in three games in the opening round of the Malaysia Open.
4. Wang's quarterfinal hopes dashed by Anisimova at Australian Open
China's Wang Xinyu saw her Australian Open run end on January 26 as she lost in straight sets to American No. 4 seed Amanda Anisimova in the fourth round.
After a tight first set, Anisimova took control at John Cain Arena to win 7-6 (4), 6-4 in one hour and 42 minutes.
Wang will leave Melbourne with confidence after matching her best Grand Slam result, following a runner-up finish to Elina Svitolina at WTA 250 Auckland Open earlier this month.
5. Guangdong guard Xu leads 2026 CBA All-Star Game vote
Guangdong Southern Tigers point guard Xu Jie leads the starters announced on January 26 for the 2026 Chinese Basketball Association All-Star Game.
Xu received 1,654,042 fan votes during a 21-day period, the most among all players. Other South Team starters are Shenzhen Aviators swingman He Xining, Zhejiang Lions power forward Hu Jinqiu, Nanjing Monkey Kings small forward Guo Haowen and Jiangsu Dragons rookie Pang Zhenglin.
China national team captain Zhao Rui leads the North Team with 1,280,443 fan votes and is joined in the starting lineup by Beijing Ducks teammate Zeng Fanbo. Xinjiang Flying Tigers small forward Qi Lin, Liaoning Flying Leopards power forward Fu Hao and Beijing Royal Fighters guard Liao Sanning are also voted as the starters.
The 2026 CBA All-Star Weekend will be held in Zhuji, east China's Zhejiang Province from March 6 to 8. ■