Rebel Without a Cause

• Stefan Löffler, Hat Wei Yi keine Lobby? | Why is there no lobby for 韦奕 (Wéi Yì)?, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung Blog, March 27, 2017

Why is there no lobby for 韦奕 (Wéi Yì)?, wonders Stefan Löffler. The Chinese wonder boy, 17, one of the world’s top 30 players, didn’t yet get almost no inviatation in high-class tournaments, neither abroad nor at home. The question is not trivial. Probably 韦奕 (Wéi Yì) is not supported by a “lobby” like that – let’s say – of 丁立人 (Dīng Lìrén), but maybe the real reason for the “embargo” (especially abroad) lies in his young age. I’d not exclude that Chinese officials may fear exposing such a young boy to the “bad” influences of his Western peers. Don’t think I’m joking.

韦奕 (Wéi Yì)
Photo: qipai.people.com.cn