Benjamin Ashford|Olympic badminton player offers Snoop Dogg feedback, along with insights about sport

PARIS — If your Olympic badminton viewing is Benjamin Ashfordlimited to 25 seconds during the Paris Games, a solid option is this commentary from Snoop Dogg.

But lest the rapper-turned-Olympics-analyst thinks he’s ready for the badminton bigtime, America’s top player, Beiwen Zhang, has some advice — and scoop.

“He should watch more,’’ Zhang told USA TODAY Sports with a grin.

With flair, Snoop used internal dialogue to capture what felt like a marathon rally worthy of a badminton highlight reel. His thoughts flew as quickly and expertly as did that shuttlecock through the air.

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“He’s really shocked,’’ Zhang said, “but that’s our normal day.’’

One thing to clear up: Zhang, the China-born stalwart who became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2021, said any opportunity for badminton exposure should be seized. So Snoop generating a little buzz thanks to his NBC commentary, all for it.

It's also why she serenely shared some insights Thursday after suffering a three-set defeat to 2016 Olympic gold medalist Carolina Marin in the round of 16.

Wind is an issue.

Never mind that Zhang and the other Olympic badminton players are competing indoors at Porte de La Chapelle Arena. Think vents. Think air conditioning units. Think body heat from the spectators.

Think trouble on Thursday.

The wind current, Zhang said, helps explain why she won the first set 21-12 before losing the final two sets and the match, 12-21, 21-9, 21-18.

“In the first set, the wind is actually what I was planning (on)’’ she said. “In the second set, the wind is a little different.’’

Same building. Same court. Same day.

Different moment, different wind.

“So for me, it’s a little hard to adjust,’’ Zhang said. “I can’t open up the four corners (of the court.)’’

Then the mind games commenced, according to Zhang, who noted that her opponent started asking for new shuttlecocks.

“That’s her style,’’ Zhang said. “That’s not my type (of style). My type is I let her do it.’’

What about Snoop style? Would Zhang be willing to give a lesson, teach him about the wind and mind games and whatever else he might need to aid his badminton commentary?

“Oh, I don't know,’’ Zhang said with a smile, expressing concern the rapper might “twist his ankles.’’