[3] Her parents Yao Yiping and Gu Xiaojing were both former international badminton players.

She also represented Singapore in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London with Shinta Mulia Sari.

[6] Yao retired from competitive badminton in 2014, citing a lack of passion and drive.

Yao had enrolled at Soochow University in China for a degree in sports training.

[9] Successful players were invited to the Superseries Finals, which were held at the end of each year.