Vivian: Denmark Open can be yardstick for future tourneys
PETALING JAYA: All eyes will be on the Denmark Open as it will provide a sneak preview on what to expect for badminton next year.
And Malaysia’s seasoned women doubles shuttler Vivian Hoo is hoping for the organisers to pull off a good job.
Except for the Denmark Open from Oct 13-18 in Odense, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) have postponed all remaining tournaments this season.
Those postponed are the Thomas-Uber Cup Finals in Denmark (October), two legs in Asia (November) and the World Tour Finals (December).
The postponements drew mixed responses from players as some felt the world body should have gone ahead while others were relieved that they did not have to travel as the Covid-19 cases had been escalating.
Vivian said she was still having mixed feelings although the uproar over the Badminton World Federation (BWF) tournament calendar had died down.
“It feels good that we don’t have to travel this year but then, it’s sad that we don’t get to compete. So, I understand the world body’s position in having to make all the tough decisions,” said Vivian.
“Honestly, I’m not sure what the future holds for us. There are so many tournaments next year, all lumped together. I’m not sure how the players are going to cope.
“I guess, it all depends on the Denmark Open. They will host it under strict safety protocol. If it is run successfully, then, we can hope for better things next year.
“Other hosts can learn from them.
The players too can look forward to next year’s tournaments without any fear and anxiety.”
Without any tournaments, Vivian said she would focus on strengthening her partnership with Yap Cheng Wen. The duo still have an outside chance to qualify for the Tokyo Olympic Games if they consistently pull off good results when the season resumes next January.
“For now, it’s training and training. I’m going to be super fit,” said the 30-year-old in jest.
“Hopefully, the national body will come out with some competitions for us. Competitions are good to constantly evaluate our progress.
“We are still getting used to our new coach (Chan Chong Ming). The advantage of this long season without tournaments is that it gives us the time to adapt to his training style,” added Vivian.
Vivian-Cheng Wen are ranked 18th in the world, just two rungs below national No. 1 Chow Mei Kuan-Lee Meng Yean.