Closer Media Focus since Taufik Hidayat Asked for An Investigation

LONDON, KOMPAS.com - The Badminton World Federation is to get tough on players withdrawing late from tournaments and on uncompetitive practices in matches between players of the same country.

Both issues have been a concern for some years on the tour, but the BWF feels that, now the tour has created an elite Premier Series with a minimum total prize money of $350,000 and more widespread television, the time has come to act.

“If compelling evidence is found of any irregularities, the matter will be treated with utmost gravity and severe penalties will be imposed,” said Thomas Lund, the BWF’s chief operating officer.

There has also been a closer media focus on withdrawals since Taufik Hidayat, the former Olympic champion from Indonesia, asked for an investigation of the withdrawal by Lin Dan, the Olympic champion from China, from the final of the Singapore Open in June.

And at the All-England Championships in March there was speculation about the withdrawal with a back injury of Wang Yihan, the former titleholder, and on the cause of retirements in two matches in which Chinese players were playing each other.

No irregularities were proven in any of these cases, but the BWF will from now on conduct special assessments for any main draw matches between players from the same country.

If necessary these matches will be taped. A doctor will always be on site to check on players who claim to be unfit to compete.

The BWF has also wants players to become more professional in selecting their schedules, asking them not to seek ranking points or prize money if there is a risk of their fitness breaking down.

“The BWF believe that players must exercise the highest level of professionalism to protect the interests of the viewing public,” said Lund.