Source:REUTERS/Ann Wang
[Saba Sports News] Yuta Watanabe, the bronze medalist in mixed doubles badminton at the Paris Olympics, revealed on a TV program recording that he is already married, shocking his longtime admirer and teammate Arisa Higashino. Yesterday, Arisa Higashino posted a message stating that after the 2024 Japan Badminton Open held on August 20, they will dissolve their partnership. In the future, she will participate in tournaments as a women’s doubles player and hopes to continue contributing to Japanese badminton. It is reported that Yuta Watanabe, not long after the end of the Paris Olympics, revealed on a variety show that he has been in a long-term relationship with a girlfriend and they have already signed the marriage papers and will soon hold a wedding. The low-key announcement, and on live broadcast no less, was difficult for Arisa Higashino, who is both a good friend and a secret admirer, to accept. It should be known that they have been partners since junior high school, competing together in domestic and international tournaments for nearly 13 years. They have trained together, eaten together, and competed together, developing a deep bond and excellent coordination. Unfortunately, Yuta Watanabe didn’t want to marry someone older than him and only saw Arisa Higashino as an older sister. After working together for so many years and not being able to ignite romantic sparks, combined with the sudden public announcement, it greatly disappointed Arisa Higashino. In a situation of love turning into hate, the only option is to quit mixed doubles and switch to women’s doubles. The Japanese badminton team will arrange a new partner for Arisa Higashino, hoping that she can show her talent on the women’s doubles stage.