China’s withdrawal increases chances for Malaysian shuttlers to dominate Japan Open Super Series
The Badminton Association of China withdrew from sending its players in the upcoming Japan Open Super Series 2012, dated September 18-23, resulting from the territorial disputes between China and Japan. However, the absence of Chinese players has brightened
the chances for Malaysian shuttlers to steal the show in this Super Series event.
Japan and China are facing a territorial dispute over an island chain named Diaoyu Islands. Because of this dispute, the Chinese players are directed not to contest in Japan Open which is the eighth Super Series event of the current year.
Nevertheless, the absence of Chinese power packed line-up is expected to boost the chances of many other shuttlers especially the Malaysians.
According to many people, the World Number Two Lee Chong Wei will have a smooth ride as there is no potential contender who could pose a threat for him.
Besides Chong Wei, there are two other shuttlers from Malaysia including Liew Daren and Chong Wei Feng who will also have a chance to prove their worth as they will not face any Chinese player in the draw.
Chong Wei lost the final match against China’s Chen Long in the last edition of Japan Open. However this time he is expected to regain his title as many top shuttlers are missing the tournament.
Malaysia’s national coach Rashid Sidek is optimistic for a good performance from Wei Feng and Daren in Men’s Singles category.
He stated, “Chong Wei is our trumpcard but our focus, from now on, will be on Daren and Wei Feng. We want Chong Wei to enjoy his game but for Daren and Wei Feng to step up and deliver.”
However, he also added, “It’s unfortunate that China have withdrawn as it will certainly dilute the level of competition. We hope Daren and Wei Feng will make an attempt to go far in this tournament.”
Besides the Malaysian shuttlers, the other notable players in the Men’s Singles draw will be Sho Sasaki and Kenichi Tago of Japan, Taufik Hidayat, Simon Santoso and Sony Dwi Kuncoro of Indonesia, Peter Hoeg Gade, Jan O Jorgensen and Viktor Axelsen of Denmark,
Boonsak Ponsana of Thailand and Nguyen Tien Minh from Vietnam.
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