Rashid Sidek not happy with Lin Dan’s walkover in final of the 2011 Singapore Open Super Series
National coach of Malaysia for Singles shuttlers, Rashid Sidek, is not happy with the decision of China’s Lin Dan, in which he granted a walkover to country-mate, Chen Jin, in the Men’s Singles final match of the 2011 Singapore Open Super Series, on Sunday, June 19, 2011.
Rashid expressed that repeating the act is not going to create a better image of badminton in the world. Lin Dan previously conceded walkovers in the decisive stages at the China Open 2010, Hong Kong Open 2010 and the 2011 Malaysia Open.
Rashid, who was disappointed with the attitude of Lin, said, “We (the badminton family) are trying to promote the game but Lin Dan’s walkover in the final does not help. It is unsportsmanlike.”
The coach further expressed that the act often happens when there are two Chinese shuttlers involved in the final match of a championship.
The Singapore Open was a qualifying event for the 2012 London Olympics. Chen Jin, the winner of the Championship, has earned precious points as Lin did not play in the final. A country can only send three participants in one category to the Olympic Games, if all of them attain the top three positions in the world rankings.
China’s Lin Dan and Chen Long stand in the top-four in the badminton world rankings, while Chen Jin is placed at the Number Nine spot.
Rashid said, “Yes, he has his own reasons (being sick) but he has done this too often and it is quite difficult to believe the authenticity of it. And this always happens when the match involves two Chinese players. Lin Dan’s walkover will benefit Chen Jin in his bid to qualify for next year’s London Olympic Games.”
The coach said that he desires Lin to be in good shape to participate in the Indonesia Open Premier Super Series 2011, as consistent walkovers annoy badminton lovers, who want to see competitive badminton.
All players in the top ten rankings will be present in the Indonesia Open, starting from June 21, 2011. The shuttlers will be looking to earn precious points, to improve their rankings in order to qualify for the 2012 London Olympics.
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