Japan head coach Joo Bong smashes Badminton World Federation – Badminton news
Joo Bong has criticised the Badminton World Federation (BWF) for permitting China to participate in Thomas Cup and Uber Cup qualifying rounds in Macau. The Japanese head coach also raised objections on BWF’s decision to award Olympic qualification points
for playing qualifying rounds. By just playing the qualifying rounds without taking into retrospect whether the shuttler wins or loses, players will be awarded 10 percent of their total world ranking points.
Joo Bong said, “I don't understand why BWF is offering so many points for the Thomas Cup and Uber Cup qualifying rounds. It doesn't make sense for the China to play in the qualifying rounds after they have secured automatic berths for the two events as hosts.”
By playing in the qualifying round and winning a couple of matches until May, China’s Chen Jin could be the biggest beneficiary as he does not stand much chances to secure a berth for London Olympics because of his country mates World number two Lin Dan
and World number three Chen Long. If he grabs these bonus points, he can snatch the fourth position from Peter Hoeg Gade, which means that three Chinese shuttlers would take part in the Olympics.
Probably this was the only reason which forced China to make the clever move of dropping Lin Dan and sending other shuttlers in both Thomas Cup and Uber Cup team competitions. The strategy paves way for all Chinese shuttlers to secure maximum spots for London.
China has lost the Thomas Cup at their home ground on three separate occasions in 1996, 1998 and 2002. Without Lin Dan in the current squad, it will be a challenge for Chinese shuttlers to make a mark in the all-important event.
China has manipulated BWF’s rules in the past also by asking Lin Dan to withdraw against Chen Long to allow him secure a spot in the top-four last year and now, he firmly sits as the World number three position.
The Japanese head coach showed his displeasure on BWF for being incapable to tackle with China’s moves. He said, “BWF must have clear qualification guidance and tighten its rules and regulations. China always has their way and BWF has failed to control them.”
Joo Bong fears that if the highest authority in the sport is unable to stamp their influence on China, then the sport’s future might be in question as a monopoly of any nation at the international arena surely cuts down the opportunity for thrilling and
quality badminton from other players.
Tags: