Top players’ exits raise question

THE outcome of yesterday’s Malaysia Masters has raised a question mark as five-time world champion Lin Dan and Chen Long along with Lee Chong Wei and Son Wan Ho all lost their opening round matches at the Axiata Arena.

It could be a form of protest to the new Badminton World Federation (BWF) ruling where top 15 shuttlers must play a minimum of 12 priority tournaments in a season.

“A top player will focus on major tournaments such as the World Championships, Thomas Cup, Asian Games and All England.

“You cannot expect a top player to perform in every tournament,” said Lin Dan after his 21-16, 18-21, 21-17 defeat to Indonesia’s Ihsan Maulana Mustofa in the first round.

The BA of Malaysia had written to BWF recently requesting the world body to review the ruling but they did not reply.

Earlier, reigning Olympic champion Chen Long failed to show up in his 21-17, 21-15 defeat to World No 13 Anthony Sinisuka Ginting of Indonesia in only 43 minutes.

Chen Long admitted that he was devastated and upset with the unexpected defeat.

“Yes, I am very disappointed as I was hoping for a positive result in my first tournament of the season,” said Chen Long, who turns 29 today.

“However, I failed to perform up to expectations today. I am also upset with some of the match officials’ service calls during the match.

“The judge penalised me for my serve and this has never happened to me before. The decision affected my rhythm today.”

Anthony said he was lucky as Chen Long was not at his best form yesterday.

“His bad day made it easier for me as I easily collected points from my aggressive play.

“It is my second win over Chen Long in three meetings and this will definitely serve as a motivation for my next match,” he added.

World No 5 Wan Ho lost 21-15, 21-13 to Malaysia’s independent player Liew Daren.