While her retirement has been on the cards for a while now, badminton star Tai Tzu-ying confirmed on Friday that she is officially bidding farewell to the sport where she delighted fans around her world with her artistry. Considered one of the most graceful players to have played the sport, the former world No 1 in women’s singles was known for her deception – the ability to change the direction of the shuttle at the last possible moment with a flick of her racket. “A beautiful chapter has come to an end. Thank you, badminton, for everything you have given me,” she wrote on Instagram. “Last year was the toughest time of my career. Before the Olympics, I wasn’t sure if my injured foot would allow me to compete, but I gave it my all. Others didn’t give up on me, so I couldn’t give up on myself. Eventually, my injuries forced me to leave the court. I couldn’t end my career the way I had hoped, and it took me a while to come …