Announcement
Where To Watch: YONEX Swiss Open 2024
You can also follow the YONEX Swiss Open 2024 on BWF TV.
** Check your local TV guides for broadcast times and details **
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Announcement
Where To Watch: YONEX All England Open 2024
You can also follow the YONEX All England Open Badminton Championships 2024 on BWF TV.
** Check your local TV guides for broadcast times and details **
Announcement
Where To Watch: Orleans Masters Badminton presented by VICTOR
You can also follow the Orleans Masters Badminton presented by VICTOR 2024 on BWF TV.
** Check your local TV guides for broadcast times and details **
Announcement
Where To Watch: HSBC BWF World Tour Finals 2023
You can also follow the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals 2023 on BWF TV.
** Check your local TV guides for broadcast times and details **
Announcement
Top 8 Qualifiers Confirmed for HSBC BWF World Tour Finals 2023
The Top 8 qualifiers for the world’s richest badminton tournament have been unveiled with the remaining places in the HSBC Race To Finals rankings sealed over the weekend.
Hangzhou, China plays host to the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals 2023 from 13 to 17 December 2023, with a total prize pool of US$2.5 million on offer.
There are eight qualifying spots in each of the five categories, with a maximum of two players per Member Association, and a spot reserved for the reigning world champion.
Korea’s world champion An Se Young had an exceptional season with eight HSBC BWF World Tour titles from 10 finals, securing 119,890 points for first place. Olympic champion and local Hangzhou hero Chen Yu Fei finished second.
“I’m very happy that more and more international tournaments are coming to Hangzhou, and I feel very amiable to play in my hometown. I’ll enjoy the tournament itself and the atmosphere onsite. Compared to the last few times I participated in the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals 2023, I feel that I am getting more mature. I will do my best to win the championship.” – Chen Yu Fei.
Third-placed qualifier Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi remains in injury doubt. Korea’s Kim Ga Eun is next in line, with her semifinal finish at the LI-NING China Masters 2023 bumping her to 70,650 points and ninth place overall.
Kodai Naraoka’s 11,000 points from his title win at the LI-NING China Masters 2023 saw him lead the men’s singles HSBC Race To Finals rankings with 89,520 points.
Denmark’s Anders Antonsen was the last player to sneak in, awaiting the result of the Naraoka versus Kenta Nishimoto all-Japanese final in Shenzhen to determine his fate.
Nishimoto’s runner-up finish gave him a total of 77,570 points, falling just short of Antonsen’s 78,110.
Chen Qing Chen/Jia Yi Fan claimed top spot despite playing only 12 HSBC BWF World Tour tournaments. The world champions amassed 101,340 points thanks to five titles in seven finals.
Their young compatriots Liu Sheng Shu/Tan Ning, playing their first HSBC BWF World Tour season, qualified in fifth spot with 89,000 points.
China’s Liang Wei Keng/Wang Chen vaulted into first place in the HSBC Race To Finals rankings on the back of their thrilling final win at the LI-NING China Masters 2023.
World champions Kang Min Hyuk/Seo Seung Jae of Korea qualified in third place.
Hong Kong China’s Tang Chun Man/Tse Ying Suet and Chinese Taipei’s Ye Hong Wei/Lee Chia Hsin were neck-and-neck before the LI-NING China Masters 2023. With Tang/Tse winning their second-round clash and going on to make the semifinals, they secured seventh place, ahead of Malaysia’s Chen Tang Jie/Toh Ee Wei.
Three pairs crossed 100,000 points – China’s Feng Yan Zhe/Huang Dong Ping and Zheng Si Wei/Huang Ya Qiong, and world champions Seo Seung Jae/Chae Yu Jung.
BWF Secretary General Thomas Lund said: “BWF is excited to promote Hangzhou as the official home of the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals, with world-class facilities and infrastructure.
“The HSBC BWF World Tour Finals is our signature season-ending finale, and thanks to HSBC we have been able to increase our overall commitment to the sport and players.
“We look forward to welcoming the season’s best players to Hangzhou as they compete for their share of the $US2.5 million – the most in the history of badminton.”
The draw will be held during the annual HSBC BWF World Tour Finals Gala Dinner on Monday 11 December. The winners of the BWF Player of the Year Awards will also be announced.
Announcement
HSBC BWF World Tour Finals Finds Home in Hangzhou
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) can confirm Hangzhou, China as host city of the season-ending HSBC BWF World Tour Finals for the next four years.
Starting 2023, BWF unveiled a 31-event new World Tour calendar, with more Super 1000, Super 750, and Super 500 tournaments, bringing greater prize money opportunities for players.
BWF is now delighted to reveal the prestigious HSBC BWF World Tour Finals will head to Hangzhou for the entire cycle.
Hangzhou is home of the 19th Asian Games and is the perfect location for international badminton’s showpiece event. The 2023 edition will take place from 13-17 December.
BWF Secretary General Thomas Lund thanked Chinese Badminton Association (CBA) and the Hangzhou City Government for their commitment to the sport.
“It is with great excitement to confirm Hangzhou, China as the host of our flagship HSBC BWF World Tour Finals for this cycle,” Lund said.
“Badminton is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world with all-time high participation and fan numbers and Hangzhou with its superb sporting infrastructure and experience in staging elite international events is an ideal host for our finals.
“We look forward to the tour’s top eight players and pairs in each category fighting it out for glory in front of thousands of passionate fans.”
Chinese Badminton Association President, and BWF Chair of Events, Zhang Jun, added: “We are delighted to work with the BWF and Hangzhou City Government to bring the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals to China.
“With its profound history and popularity here, badminton activities are ubiquitous in Hangzhou. It is an honour for the local government to be the host for the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals. And all top players around the world are welcomed to gather in the city.”
Further details on the 2023 edition of HSBC BWF World Tour Finals will be released in the coming weeks.
Announcement
Shuttle World 42 is Online
The 42nd edition of BWF Newsletter Shuttle World is now available for download.
We preview the TotalEnergies BWF World Championships 2023 as well as introduce key speakers for the upcoming World Coaching Conference.
We also recap World Badminton Day and the BWF AGM and Members’ Forum.
Edition 42 – August 2023
- Milestones Aplenty – Message from the President
- Looking to Rewrite History – World Championships
- Copenhagen 2014 – the Crowning of Carolina
- BWF Continues CSR Outreach
- Milestone for Inclusive Badminton
- World Coaching Conference – 24 & 25 August
- Eye on the Future – BWF Members’ Forum
- New Deals for BWF
- Quarter 2 Updates
- Dream come True for Refugee Shuttler
- ‘Most Memorable’ says Zhang Jun
We hope you enjoy reading this edition.
Announcement
2022汇丰世界羽联世界巡回赛总决赛迁往曼谷举办
世界羽毛球联合会（BWF）宣布2022汇丰世界羽联世界巡回赛总决赛将不继续在中国广州举办。
赛事将迁往泰国曼谷Nimibutr体育馆举办，由于场馆档期和比赛地变更，比赛日期为12月7日至11日，比广州原计划日期提前一周。
世界羽联经与中国羽毛球协会（CBA）协商后同意，鉴于目前疫情形势带来的各种挑战，易地举办2022汇丰世界羽联世界巡回赛总决赛。
世界羽联感谢中国羽毛球协会、广州市政府和广州市体育局所作的出色工作。
世界羽联还要感谢泰国羽毛球协会在这么短的时间内为2022汇丰世界羽联世界巡回赛总决赛提供替代举办地点。
2022汇丰世界羽联世界巡回赛总决赛的参赛运动员名单将在11月22日澳大利亚公开赛结束后确认。
Announcement
2022年汇丰世界羽联世界巡回赛总决赛重回广州
世界羽联确认，2022年汇丰世界羽联世界巡回赛总决赛将于12月14日至18日在广州举办。这是继2019年之后，中国大陆首次举办国际羽毛球巡回赛。
本赛季各单项最顶尖的八位/组球员将在广州天河体育馆标志性的红色地胶上争夺赛季末的最高荣誉，以及羽毛球史上最高的奖金池——150万美元。
世界羽联秘书长托马斯·伦德表示，国际羽毛球巡回赛再次回到中国对这项运动来说是积极的一步。
伦德说：“汇丰世界羽联世界巡回赛总决赛是我们一年中最重要的赛事之一，我们很高兴能与中国羽协、广州市政府和我们的主要合作伙伴汇丰银行合作，将总决赛带回广州。”
“我们也感谢中国政府向世界顶级羽毛球运动员发出邀请，我们仍然有信心，我们的东道主将以最高标准为运动员提供安全和舒适的总决赛。”
“广州已经在2018年和2019年举办了两届精彩的汇丰世界羽联世界巡回赛总决赛，我们期待着为中国的球迷们再次举办一场羽球盛会。”
赛季缩短
即将在10月和11月举行的巡回赛是球员们争夺总决赛积分的最后机会，伦德也确认了2022中国常州公开赛(超级1000)和2022中国福州公开赛(超级750)已被取消。
伦德表示：“遗憾的是，原本在常州和福州举办两站公开赛的计划将无法推进。对于羽毛球界来说，这是至关重要的一年，我们非常自豪能够举办汇丰世界羽联世界巡回赛的绝大部分比赛。现在的焦点转向了未来几周将举办的汇丰世界羽联世界巡回赛和赛季末的总决赛，在未来几周球员们将为了更多的积分而奋战。”
Announcement
东京世锦赛半决赛：中国队三项进决赛
2022年道达尔能源世界羽联羽毛球世锦赛五个单项决赛选手全部产生。中国队在女单、女双和混双项目中各获一个决赛席位，分别是：陈雨菲、陈清晨/贾一凡和郑思维/黄雅琼。其中陈雨菲击败戴资颖，中国队女单时隔八年重返世锦赛决赛。
中国男单选手赵俊鹏以20-22、6-21不敌泰国选手昆拉武特，无缘决赛，获得其职业生涯第一块世锦赛铜牌。昆拉武特成为了世界羽联世锦赛男单决赛中第一位泰国选手，将在决赛中面对安赛龙。
昆拉武特赛后采访时说道：“我很高兴，这是我第二次参加世锦赛。在第一局比赛中我确实犯了一些错误，但在第二局比赛中我可以很好地控制球。我的注意力集中在控制上，因为球场有风。我期待着在决赛中与安赛龙交手。我想向他学习，他是如何在每场比赛中都打得那么好。我没有压力，因为他是最受欢迎的。”
另一场男单半决赛，安赛龙以2-0的战绩击败了周天成，在第二局14比16落后的情况下，安赛龙积极调整心态，并在接下来的8分中拿下了7分，终结了比赛的悬念。
“我很高兴我在第二局比赛中取得了进步。对手给了我很大的困难，但在精神上，我成功地加快了步伐，这意味着我可以赢得比赛。我告诉自己，我必须专注于每一分，认真防守。我做到了，并且赢得了一些关键的分数。”关于决赛，安赛龙说：“我对自己现在的状态非常满意，我很享受。我不会考虑谁是弱者，谁不是。我期待着明天一场精彩的比赛。这将是艰难的。”
女单决赛将由奥运会冠军陈雨菲对阵卫冕冠军山口茜。半决赛中，陈雨菲以15-21丢掉首局后，以21-14、21-18连扳两局，成为李雪芮在2014年世锦赛获得亚军以后，首位打入女单决赛的中国队选手。山口茜在另外一场比赛中快速战胜了韩国选手安洗莹，晋级决赛。
陈雨菲在赛后采访时表示：“因为这次比赛球比较慢，在场上对抗的拍数会很多，自己在比赛中一直没有放弃，通过多拍相持去逼迫对手失误。”谈到决赛，陈雨菲坦言“全力以赴展示最好的自己，不留遗憾。”
女双比赛中，头号种子陈清晨/贾一凡迎战日本组合松本麻佑/永原和可那，陈清晨/贾一凡以21-13、21-14击败曾同为两届世锦赛冠军的松本麻佑/永原和可那，将与韩国组合金昭映/孔熙容争夺冠军，后者在半决赛中以2-1险胜泰国组合菩提塔/沙西丽。
混双半决赛，头号种子郑思维/黄雅琼经过三局苦战，以21-16、12-21、21-10战胜了队友王懿律/黄东萍，第三次闯入决赛。他们决赛的对手是日本组合渡边勇大/东野有纱。
Announcement
赵芸蕾入选2022年世界羽联名人堂
中国羽毛球双打传奇赵芸蕾入选2022年世界羽毛球联合会（BWF）名人堂，一同入选的还有与其同时代征战羽坛的印尼双打名将莉莉亚娜·纳西尔。
赵芸蕾是她那个时代最全能的双打运动员。 在很长一段时间内，她在混双和女双两个项目中的统治地位无人能及。退役后， 她成为了史上最优秀的羽毛球运动员之一——细数她职业生涯中所获得的冠军头衔，包括两枚奥运会金牌和五枚世锦赛金牌。
世界羽毛球联合会主席保罗·埃里克·霍耶对赵芸蕾入选BWF名人堂表示祝贺。
他说，“入选世界羽联名人堂是对羽毛球运动员最大的致敬。名人堂旨在表彰精英中的精英，赵芸蕾当之无愧地占有一席之地。赢得奥运会或世锦赛金牌是大多数运动员的梦想，而赵芸蕾取得了这两项大赛的双冠王，这是一项了不起的成就。”
| 赵芸蕾
赛场上的赵芸蕾总是充满信心，她对比赛有着敏锐的洞察，她出色的攻防技巧，以及时刻保持冷静应对突发情况的头脑，帮助她赢得了多次比赛。其中，在她与张楠搭档的混双以及与田卿搭档的女双比赛中表现尤为突出。尽管在高强度的赛事环境中同时参加两个项目的比赛，然而赵芸蕾似乎享受压力，在伦敦奥运会和两届世锦赛上取得了双冠王。 她成为唯一一位在一届奥运会上拿到两枚金牌的羽毛球运动员，也是唯一一位在连续两届世锦赛上获得两个双打冠军的羽毛球运动员。 |
Click Here for the BWF Hall of Fame Honour Roll
赵芸蕾将于2022年6月24日周五下午两点举办的线上典礼和媒体活动中正式被官方授誉。
Announcement
2024年巴黎奥运会羽毛球参赛资格规则
世界羽毛球联合会(以下简称：BWF)的2024年巴黎奥运会参赛资格规则已经得到国际奥委会(以下简称：IOC)的批准。巴黎奥运会积分周期将于2023年5月1日开始持续到2024年4月28日，以2024年4月30日的奥运积分排名名单来确定。
羽毛球参赛总名额为172个(男86个，女86个)，除常规名额(166个)外，还包括2个主办国名额和4个额外名额。每个国家或地区协会派出的男女运动员的名额都不得超过8个。
单打
在每个单打项目中，国家或地区协会至少需要两位球员排在奥运积分前16位，才能获得两个满额参赛名额。共有35个名额，一个东道国名额，两个额外名额。额外名额将在资格期结束后由三方委员会确定。每个单打项目还必须至少有两名来自五大洲协会的运动员，前提是他们的排名在前250名之内。
双打
在每个双打项目中，国家或地区协会至少需要两组球员排在奥运积分前8位，才能获得两个满额参赛名额。每个双打项目还必须至少有一对来自五大洲协会的运动员，前提是他们的排名在前50名之内。
考虑到所有项目的参赛资格，没有任何国家或地区协会可以在单个项目中派出超过2组以上运动员。
在国际奥委会官网上查看已批准的2024年巴黎奥运会参赛资格规则。
Announcement
关于世锦赛的退赛声明
世界羽联确认将有大批印尼选手退出将于12月12日在西班牙韦尔瓦举行的2021道达尔能源世锦赛。
印尼羽毛球协会(PBSI)周三上午宣布了这一消息，表达了与新冠肺炎疫情相关的担忧。还有一小部分印尼选手仍在签表中。
世界羽联对PBSI的决定感到失望，并对在抽签后退出感到遗憾。
然而，世界羽联和西班牙羽毛球联合会目前正根据地方和国家卫生当局制定的建议和措施，包括针对所有运动员、团队官员和主要利益攸关方的一套全面的安全协议，集中精力举办一场安全、成功的世锦赛。
此外男单卫冕冠军、世界第二桃田贤斗因伤退出比赛，世界羽联也确认了这一不幸消息。桃田贤斗还退出了上周的2021汇丰世界羽联世界巡回赛总决赛，并已返回日本。
混双7号种子陈炳顺和吴柳莹在搭档13年后宣布解散，并退出世锦赛。
大多数球员现在已经安全抵达韦尔瓦并进入了“安全泡泡”。第一轮比赛将于当地时间周日上午10点开始。目前没有重新抽签的计划。
Announcement
老牌男双高成炫/申白喆夺得法国公开赛冠军
2021尤尼克斯法国公开赛男双决赛中，韩国老将组合高成炫/申白喆击败了世界排名第一吉迪恩/苏卡穆约，自2019年澳大利亚公开赛后再次夺得男双冠军。
这是属于两位老将的标志性胜利，他们用韩国的传统打法击败了世界最顶级的男双组合。34岁的高成炫和32岁的申白喆是2016年里约奥运会后退役的几对顶级男双选手之一；他们于2018年复出，但复出之旅磕磕绊绊。与此同时，小黄人组合将自己塑造成里约后男双一代的佼佼者。
但韩国老将今天的表现表明，他们的技术仍旧是最顶级的；不管对手的什么球，他们都用顽强的防守化解；他们调动苏卡穆约让他无法发挥前场的实力，当机会来临时，他们由守转攻一击制胜。
高成炫获得了他的第三个法国公开赛冠军(前两次分别搭档李龙大和金荷娜），申白喆获得了他的第一个法国公开赛冠军。“在来这里之前，我们都不认为我们能赢，”高成炫说。“每次胜利后，我们都感觉更好，今天我们超级开心。几年前我们离开了国家队，在疫情之后，这是我们第一次进入高级别赛事决赛，所以这对我们来说真的很重要。”
“与年轻选手相比，我们体能限制很大，所以很难跟上他们。我们有经验，这对我们今天很有帮助。这取决于具体情况。也许今天我们的处理得比对手好。他们真的是很好的球员。很难把他们和我们同时代的人相比。即使在那时，也有很多人比我们更好。”
申白喆说：“我们没有任何遗憾。但在我们不打球的那段时间里，我们对自己的未来感到不安。现在我们很高兴我们今天做到了。这是我第一次在法国参加决赛，所以意义重大。在这之后，我们将对未来的重大比赛更有信心。”
他们的的同胞李绍熙和申昇瓒早些时候以21-17、21-12击败队友金昭映/孔熙容获得了女双冠军，继2019年后再次登上最高领奖台。
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Announcement
2021苏迪曼杯：中国队第12次夺冠
2021道达尔能源世界羽联苏迪曼杯总决赛决赛中，卫冕冠军中国队以3-1击败日本队，第12次捧起苏迪曼杯。
纵观全场比赛，双方都展现了超强水准，年轻的球员们表现出了与久经沙场的球星们一样的抗压能力。在上一届苏迪曼杯上，日本队以0-3被中国队击败，这次他们试图推翻这一结果，但他们不得不再次区居亚军。
中国队教练张军谈到了对年轻队员的信任，以及他们在这场重大赛事中坚守立场的能力。让一位球员上两个单项的计划被搁置，中国选择了何济霆和周昊东参加男双。
结果如愿以偿。保木卓朗/小林优吾在一个多小时的时间里与中国的年轻队员进行了战斗，但日本人错误地过度依赖防守。在比赛的最后阶段，何济霆/周昊东始终保持着进攻的活力，帮助中国队取得了领先。
“我们在四分之一决赛中输给了丹麦，我们吸取了教训——我们试着更有耐心，”周昊东说。
在上届苏迪曼杯决赛中，山口茜输给了陈雨菲。今天山口一心要进攻。日本人不愿意在对抗赛中留下遗憾，她保持着陈雨菲难以跟上的速度。即使当她的对手找到空档时，山口茜也依靠着顽强的跑动进行补救。正是这种更顽强的风格帮助山口茜赢得了比赛，因为陈雨菲在其他方面还是一如既往的精确和稳定。
“上一届苏迪曼杯我也是同样的情况，但我输了，所以我不想重蹈覆辙。而且，她是奥运会金牌得主，所以我决定挑战她。”山口说。“我只是想打一场稳定的比赛。我知道她打了几场长时间的比赛，一定会累的。我没有打过这么多长时间的比赛，所以我很有活力。”
在一场高质量的开局之后，男单比赛出现了最令人好奇的转折。开局似乎消耗了石宇奇太多精力，因此他放弃了第二局，把所有精力留到第三局上。无论是这一周累积的疲劳，还是仅仅精神上的压力，桃田贤斗又一次输了。世界第一面对石宇奇的不断高强度进攻，并没有什么办法能够应对，最终石宇奇以2-1击败对手，使中国队以2-1领先。
桃田否认疲劳是他在第三局比赛中有点无精打采的原因。“我被对手的进攻能力压垮了，所以我输了。我没有那么累，但我找不到赢球的方法。”
石宇奇在庆祝他2019年7月受伤复出后的最佳时刻时，承诺要比受伤前更好。“我放弃了第二局以恢复我的体力。我必须把所有的精力都放在第三局比赛上。我有90%的最佳状态。赢得比赛是一件很棒的事情，但我的目标不是回到以前的水平——我要达到以前水平的120% !”
日本最后的希望寄托在女双临时组合上，松本麻佑/松友美佐纪给陈清晨/贾一凡造成了不小的麻烦。中国组合一路经受着考验，她们表现出了出色的气质，关键时刻下手更加果断。
随着21-17 21-16的胜利，苏迪曼杯留在了中国。“奥运会之后,这个冠军让我们可以再次激励我们的队员，”张军说，“我们本届苏杯男双阵容上不是最完美的，对泰国和丹麦我们有一些困难，但我们决定让年轻球员上场，我们信任他们的能力，他们今天做的很好。”
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Announcement
2021苏迪曼杯：克服困难，桃田贤斗重新出发
2021道达尔能源世界羽联苏迪曼杯总决赛 第三比赛日中，桃田贤斗率领的日本队5-0击败英格兰队，将与马来西亚队争夺小组头名位置。
在东京奥运会小组赛阶段被淘汰之后，球迷对桃田的状态充满了好奇。今天，在D组日本对阵英格兰的比赛中，渡边勇大/东野有纱帮助日本取得领先后，桃田贤斗在与世界排名第205位的托尔森的比赛中，看上去与巅峰时期的状态还相距甚远。
日本人经常被托尔森的杀直线所击溃，这位22岁的英格兰球员打得非常轻松，然而最后一记发球将优势拱手让给了桃田，他在第一局比赛中获得了信心，并在没有进一步失误的情况下结束了比赛。
“一开始我非常紧张，无法发挥自己的能力。接近第二局的时候，我让自己冷静下来，控制住自己的比赛。”
“我希望在专注度方面有所提高。我今天很紧张，不能专注于一件事。不过，好在我能让自己冷静下来。”
托尔森说，他对自己的表现感到惊讶。
“这对我来说绝对是一个惊喜，我不知道他是否感到紧张。很高兴看到我的扣杀能够穿透他的防守。我认为这对我来说绝对是一个巨大的信心助推器，能够在与世界上最好的球员的比赛中取得这样的成绩。我想在未来面对每一个球员时都这样做。”
本·莱恩和文迪不敌古贺辉/斋藤太一，没能阻止日本队。 山口茜以21-16/21-12击败霍尔顿，之后志田千阳/松山奈未在与布里奇/史密斯的比赛中直落两局，帮助日本队5-0完胜英格兰队。
在另一场B组比赛中，马来西亚以5比0击败埃及，而在B组中，中华台北以5比0击败德国，韩国以同样的优势击败了塔希提岛。
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Announcement
Prannoy Reckons With New Health Curveball
HS Prannoy is back at the tournament that he played such a vital part in last time. But he’s still recovering from a health condition that causes constant nausea – he’s lost over four kilos over the last couple of months – and he’s hoping that the team campaign in Chengdu will help him rediscover his best form.
It was in January, after a standout last season, that the condition surfaced. Essentially, it was a malfunctioning muscle lining the oesophagus that was causing food to move up, causing the nausea. Prannoy had recovered years earlier from an acid reflux problem that had taken a long while to figure out; just when he had hit peak form, a similar condition had returned. The physical toll is obvious in his leaner frame, but there has been a psychological toll as well.
“What I was feeling was when I eat the food doesn’t go down,” said the world No.9. “Whenever I train (the food) comes up and forward to the chest side and I need to vomit. It is kind of related with the acid reflux obviously. The food is not able to do get down. I can feel the food coming out, that’s where my breathing goes for a toss.
“I was on a liquid diet before the morning sessions because whatever I was eating was coming up.
“I couldn’t eat much because I was afraid it would affect the playing schedule. I was ok to not eat and play; the nausea was even worse than not having anything in the stomach. So that’s why I lost 4-4.5 kilos in the last two-three months.”
His initial suspicion was that the acid reflux had returned, and the treatment was focussed on that. But several tests later, the problem was identified and since then he has been on medication.
“It is tough. We have to figure out what the issue is, and that’s where a whole lot of energy goes. Once you figure out what it is, it’s a bit easier for you to trust the process. If you don’t figure it out you’re just shooting in the dark and expecting things to happen, and that’s what we were doing in the first two-three months. We’re thinking it’s a gut related issue and we were doing a lot of things for the gut. The gut got better but the feeling didn’t get better, and that’s why we were running a lot of tests in the last one month.
“Doctors say it can be solved with medication. I can feel a lot of difference in the last one month.”
Having won his first match of the Thomas Cup today against England’s Harry Huang, Prannoy was certain that he and his comrades could thrive on the team’s collective energy. Perhaps it would help a turnaround with the Olympics round the corner.
“Not just for me, but for everybody it’s like that. Winning a match gives extra confidence. The happiness is a bit more than winning an individual match. In 2022 as well we all had a good run of tournaments because of the happiness of winning the Thomas Cup. Especially when you get to Thomas Cup quarterfinals you’ll have to play a lot of pressure matches. So that kind of gets you ready for good, tough fights.”
Announcement
Spanish Para I: Pookkham Stuns Satomi to End Lean Spell
Thai WH1 star Sujirat Pookkham was back on top of a podium in a singles event after three long years following success at Spanish Para Badminton International 2024 I in Toledo on Saturday.
Pookkham, whose last singles title also came in Spain in 2021, surprised top seed Sarina Satomi 14-21 21-17 21-8 in 44 minutes in the final to secure victory. This is Satomi’s first career defeat in a singles final.
It also ended Pookkham’s five-match losing streak to the Japanese world No.1. The 38-year-old had not beaten Satomi since the semifinal of the Japan Para Badminton International in 2019.
Paralympic gold medallist Satomi, however, topped the doubles category with Yuma Yamazaki to take home the WH1-WH2 gold.
Meanwhile, Lucas Mazur ended his own men’s singles title drought on the Para badminton circuit by seeing off Suhas Lalinakere Yathiraj 21-18 21-6 in the SL4 final. His most recent victory before Saturday was at the 4 Nations Para Badminton International in August.
Seven singles players – Chu Man Kai (men’s SH6), Nithya Sre Sumathy Sivan (women’s SH6), Nitesh Kumar (men’s SL3), Mariam Eniola Bolaji (women’s SL3), Helle Sofie Sagoy (women’s SL4), Cheah Liek Hou (men’s SU5) and Daiki Kajiwara (men’s WH2) repeated their triumphs from last week at Spanish Para Badminton International 2024 II held in Vitoria.
Malaysian Cheah also won gold in SU5 men’s doubles with Muhammad Fareez Anuar, overcoming Hardik Makkar/Ruthick Ragupathi 21-16 22-20.
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Net Finesse Sees Axelsen Through
Two great net shots by Viktor Axelsen at the very end of an absorbing clash against Lee Cheuk Yiu set the stage for Denmark’s dismissal of Hong Kong China in Group D.
Lee had a glimmer of an upset at 19-18 in the third, but Axelsen played an improbable net winner, and showed the same finesse a point later to earn match point. That was the only opportunity he needed to clinch the opening match.
“I just knew that the front court was really important,” said Axelsen. “I’ve been training a lot at the net game with my coach PK and so I was happy that I was able to play really tight spinning net shots today.”
Cheuk Yiu conceded that Axelsen’s mental strength on those points had seen him through.
“Maybe I can also play those shots, but on important points he’s so strong mentally. I feel happy with the way I played. I trust myself to do what I’m doing, just keep doing the simple things. Just trust, believe in myself, and keep going.”
Lee has troubled Axelsen in the past, and the Dane was aware of the threat, particularly in difficult conditions.
“He’s a hard attacking player, really skilful, and every time you play him it’s really tough, especially in windy conditions. But I managed today to control it and took some chances in the end, and it paid off, and am happy about that. He’s an amazing player. Overall, very dangerous.
“You can see a lot of matches going three games, it’s really tough in these conditions. I’m just happy I got the win.”
Denmark have had a sound start, winning both their opening ties, and Axelsen sounded upbeat about their chances.
“We have a great team, some of the guys were in the team back in 2016 when we won the Thomas Cup, so we have experience, combined with some younger guys as well, so all in all we have a great team, a great team dynamic.”
Next up, to decide the top team from the group, will be a clash against Malaysia.
“It’s going to be exciting against Malaysia. Always a pleasure to play against them, so we look forward to that.
“There’s always pressure, but a little bit extra when you play Thomas Cup. You want to win for the team and even if you lose you want to give some energy to the team, show you are there to win, and I think I have a really good statistic at the Thomas Cup, and I’m always showing that no matter what, I’m always there to do my best for the country and the team and this time’s no different.”
Announcement
India’s Second-String Grab their Chance
Minus their biggest names who had featured in India’s first Badminton Asia Team Championships victory, their young women’s squad stared at an uphill battle at the Uber Cup.
The team – with juniors and untested players – had China, Canada and Singapore to reckon with, while missing their singles icon Pusarla V Sindhu and doubles pairs Ashwini Ponnappa/Tanisha Crasto and Treesa Jolly/Gayatri Gopichand Pullela.
In the absence of Pusarla V Sindhu, it was world No.53 Ashmita Chaliha’s turn to lead from the front against Canada, and she did so admirably, holding off Michelle Li by the tightest of margins, 26-24 24-22. The left-handed Chaliha said she was trying to inspire the others into giving their best, no matter the odds.
“I was looking forward to the Uber Cup as Sindhu isn’t playing, and I’m playing first singles. If we had a good start we could pull off the tie. It was a great match with Michelle, she is a very good player. Her deception and attack were very good, so I was focussing on defence today.
“The main players weren’t playing, and the feeling was that the Uber Cup team wasn’t strong, with only junior players. But it was a great opportunity for all the juniors as well, because they would get a lot of experience from this, and I told my teammates to play their best, that we had to give everything every day we were on court.”
Priya Konjengbam/Shruti Mishra made it 2-0 beating Catherine Choi/Jeslyn Chow, before world No.83 Isharani Baruah, playing her first international team match, dismissed No.44 Wen Yu Zhang 21-13 21-12 in 29 minutes.
“It’s really great that I won my singles,” said Baruah. “I was confident because Ashmita won the first and then the first doubles pair was comfortable. I was confident of winning the point for my team. This is my first Uber Cup and I’m excited to play the top players.”
Canada did pull one back in the second doubles, but India’s latest find Anmol Kharb put the finishing touches on the 4-1 score with a 21-15 21-11 result over Eliana Zhang.
“I played well at the Badminton Asia Team Championships and expectations from me are high,” said Kharb. “But over there the courts were slow and favourable to me, but here there’s a drift so it was difficult for me to play. The next match will be easier because I’m now used to it.
“I was very happy although our main players weren’t here because I’ll be playing senior players, and meeting my favourite players like Tai Tzu Ying, who’s my idol. I’m happy I got the chance.”
Announcement
Outclassed, but Uganda Win Hearts
The loudest cheers of the opening session of the TotalEnergies BWF Thomas & Uber Cup Finals 2024 were for Uganda as they faced powerhouses Japan.
The crowd got in on the act in the fourth match, with Fadilah Shamika Mohamed Rafi and Tracy Naluwooza falling behind 21-0 in the first game against Rena Miyaura/Ayako Sakuramoto. The crowd kept willing the Ugandans on, and when they finally got the first point, there was deafening applause.
The Ugandans were cheerful about the experience, despite the gulf in quality between the two pairs.
“We were pretty calm about it because it’s a level we are not used to, and it was our first time,” said Rafi, who also played first singles, against Aya Ohori. “Playing against such amazing players, we just had to give our best and keep fighting, and I’m so happy we played our game and could at least fight and catch some eye. I’m so grateful to the crowd for the support. It was really nice.
“The crowd went wild, it was amazing. We were just happy, so after the first point we tried to get more. It’s really nice for Uganda to be here and we’re making history.”
Uganda’s prospects were daunting, and none of the five matches went over 22 minutes. Japan rested Akane Yamaguchi and gave rising star Tomoka Miyazaki her first Uber Cup cap. Scratch pair Nami Matsuyama/Wakana Nagahara were fielded in second doubles.
For the Ugandans the experience so far has been surreal, as they are among players they have only seen on screen.
“I knew she’s way better than me. I came on court with nothing to lose. Come, enjoy my game and perform well,” said Husina Kobugabe, who faced Okuhara.
“Sometimes you feel it’s not real, you’re dreaming. But it’s true, we’re sitting with them in the bus and we’re at the same hotel, so we’re getting used to it, but it’s new for us.
“You become excited. You become a fan. We’ve been wanting to play against them. It feels good and makes you happy… it’s building my confidence. Because after the first game, I told myself – you know what? These are people like us, just that they’re playing better. It makes us strong mentally.”
For Gladys Mbabazi, who faced Miyazaki in third singles, the Uber Cup was about relishing an opportunity that few get to experience.
“Not everyone gets the chance to be here, and I’m proud to be representing my country. I’m so happy to be playing on such a big platform – it’s good for me and my career. My family is so proud of me, they keep asking me about my experiences.”
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Intanon Searching for Best Version of Herself
Thailand have made the last four of the Uber Cup the last three editions, with Ratchanok Intanon playing a lead role in those campaigns.
This time, with the team ace struggling to rediscover her confidence following an ankle injury last year, the Thais will be hard-pressed to match their recent performances. For Intanon, the Uber Cup marks a continuing search for momentum.
“I felt very bad after I lost three tournaments in the first round,” Intanon said, referring to the European circuit, when she fell early at the French Open, All England and Swiss Open. “After that I felt like giving up. I asked myself, why is it always like this, I’ve never faced this before. But then I thought, just do my best, and continue to do what you want, but don’t get too serious. So I think I’m getting better if I don’t think too much.
“My physical condition is not 100 per cent, but even if it is 80 per cent I have to do my best. I have just come back, I have to control myself, and it’s an important time for me to fill the gap.
“The motivation is ok. I want to come back, but when you lose a match, you lose confidence. But the goal is still the same. I cannot say I will be like (Carolina) Marin or (Pusarla) Sindhu – when they come back, they had greater motivation. But for me, sometimes… I just do my best and I cannot compare with others. I can only compare my condition from yesterday.”
While Thailand are still relatively strong in singles, with Supanida Katethong, Pornpawee Chochuwong and Busanan Ongbamrungphan, there was a blow in second doubles, with Benyapa Aimsaard’s unavailability. Intanon acknowledged it would be hard for the team to make an impact.
“Our team is not very strong. Women’s singles is ok, but doubles is a problem because we lost a pair because of injury. So we have to get points from women’s singles. In doubles it’s 50-50. Whoever I play will be the top ones, so I can learn and handle pressure every day.”
As for herself, the Olympics is the immediate milestone, but she doesn’t want to set a time limit.
“Sometimes I feel I’m stable. I don’t want to expect too much of myself, because if I expect too much I always lose. So I have to find my balance. I will just continue to find my gap.
“I will still play. I don’t know how long… but I will go year by year. I will do my best in every game, and maybe I will have chance to play in the next Olympics. Maybe. If my condition is still good.”
Thailand begin their Uber Cup campaign with a Group B tie against Australia tomorrow.
Announcement
Where To Watch: TotalEnergies BWF Thomas & Uber Cup Finals 2024
You can also follow the TotalEnergies BWF Thomas & Uber Cup Finals 2024 on BWF TV.
** Check your local TV guides for broadcast times and details **
Announcement
‘A Little Sad’ Momota Prepares for Farewell Campaign
A day before the start of the TotalEnergies BWF Thomas & Uber Cup Finals 2024, all the attention was on Kento Momota.
The hero of Japan’s history-making Thomas Cup title win a decade ago, and their biggest name since then, would call it a day soon, and there was curiosity all around on what was on his mind. The subject of the attention looked relaxed and was all smiles.
“It’s my last time to play against top players, so I just want to enjoy this tournament and give my best,” said the two-time world champion. “I feel a little sad because I cannot play against them anymore, but right now I’m happy to be here. As this is my last tournament, I will be going around and asking other players to take a picture with me.”
Momota will play third singles, and he emphasised the importance of that position.
“I want to play my best, and the third singles is the most important position because it decides the tie. So you have to be strong mentally. Of course I want to win the title for Japan in my last international tournament.”
Who would he miss the most?
“I’ll miss Viktor Axelsen and Anthony Ginting because Axelsen and I are of the same generation, and with Ginting, whenever we played it was always tough.”
Inevitably there were the questions about his accident and his decision to retire.
“After the accident my body was not in good condition. It took a long time to recover. I could never fully recover from the accident, there were a lot of hard times after that, and I couldn’t play my best, although I tried hard in training. My results haven’t been good, so I decided to retire from international competition and focus on playing in Japan and to help juniors in Japan.”
Once again, happy retirement from international competitions @momota_kento and congrats on a fantastic career! 🤝 Can we please play a few matches at the warmup courts so that I can try to make up for our H2H? 😅💯🤞 pic.twitter.com/VHGJPXTK5o
— Viktor Axelsen (@ViktorAxelsen) April 26, 2024
Momota revealed that post-retirement he would spend time popularising badminton in Japan.
“After retiring, I want to participate in badminton events where I can inspire juniors and make them love badminton once they play with me. As long as I can play badminton, I want to play as much as I can and help in inspiring the next generation of Japanese players. I plan to play with children and juniors and hope to inspire them and I hope to make them love badminton as much as I did.”
How did Momota want to be remembered?
“I want to be remembered for being myself, for my badminton and my playing style, so everyone can remember me as Kento Momota.”
Announcement
Defending Champs Feeling the Pressure
Despite being the reigning Uber Cup champions, Korea bear a vulnerable look as they head in to defend the title they won in 2022.
An Se Young, the ace in their pack, has been nursing a knee injury for a while now. Another blow was Kim Ga Eun picking up an injury at the Badminton Asia Championships, denying the team the benefit of a strong second singles player.
That will mean Sim Yu Jin stepping up for second singles, while the critical third singles will fall to the inexperienced Kim Ga Ram.
In some ways, Korea’s situation is similar to 2022, when there was some doubt about how their second and third singles would perform.
Sim Yu Jin, the player who won the title for Korea with an improbable win in the final match, admitted she was feeling the pressure with Kim Ga Eun pulling out.
“At the last Uber Cup there was no pressure on me, but this time Kim Ga Eun is injured, so I’m second singles and am feeling the pressure, but I will try my best,” said Sim.
“When I won that time, I felt more confident and set more targets. I got more famous in Korea, and a lot of people came to know of me. When the Uber Cup was over I was feeling very good. I felt my speed was very good, but now I’m thinking too much, so I’m a bit confused, but I think I can fix it.”
Coach Sung Ji Hyun admitted the team would find it challenging in singles, particularly with An Se Young’s injury and Kim Ga Eun’s absence. But the coach believed the team could pull off another impressive campaign.
“We came in as champions, but I think our players are feeling the pressure, because they want to win it again,” said Sung. “I wish that we play our best, and not worry about the result. Kim Ga Eun is injured, but An Se Young, Sim Yu Jin and the women’s doubles are strong. So I hope we can be champions again.”
The question on everybody’s mind, with respect to the Korean campaign, is An Se Young’s physical condition. How was she coping with the knee injury?
“This depends, it’s different each day,” said Sung. “When she feels her body is heavy, she feels more pain. She isn’t 100 cent but it’s getting better.”
Like last time, a relatively unknown player might have to step up for Korea in third singles, and that role will fall to Kim Ga Ram.
“Kim Ga Ram will play third singles. Our No.3 and No.4 are not very experienced. I hope they don’t feel pressured and nervous. Hopefully they can enjoy the match,” said Sung.
Announcement
Thomas Cup Preview: Chinese Taipei the Team to Watch
More than any other recent edition, this year’s Thomas Cup is notable for having at least six equally-strong contenders. At the outset, China, Chinese Taipei, Indonesia, Japan, India and Denmark all seem capable of winning the trophy.
Consider Chinese Taipei, who are not one of the traditional powers. Yet, this time Chinese Taipei have a wealth of resources in both singles and doubles, and do have a shot at executing what India did in 2022 – win their first-ever title.
Led by Chou Tien Chen, and backed by recent Swiss Open winner Lin Chun-Yi and Wang Tzu Wei in singles, and quality and choice in doubles, Chinese Taipei have a well-rounded look about them.
The team has never made it past the quarterfinals, and Chou expressed his confidence that they could go far this time.
“This time, in three singles and two double we are really strong,” said Chou. “So we think we have a chance to get to the semis or more. We are really focussed this time, and we will try to find our best here.
“We’ve never been in the semifinals, so we really want to win. For me, I feel more relaxed because my teammates can back me. I think I can play much better than at other tournaments. I’m really happy to play here.”
Their doubles pairs – Lee Yang/Wang Chi-Lin and Lee Jhe-Huei/Yang Po-Hsuan have both had strong results in recent months, and although singles spearhead Chou has struggled with consistency, the second and third singles are in capable hands. Experience is an important asset for third singles when the tie is in the balance, and Wang can hold his own against any opponent in that position.
Chinese Taipei are in Group B with Japan, Germany and Czechia. While Japan’s men’s players have had limited success lately, they did make the semifinals of the Badminton Asia Team Championships despite missing Kodai Naraoka. The presence of the talismanic Kento Momota could galvanise the Japanese into another epic performance.
India surprised many by capturing the Thomas Cup in 2022, and while the team is likely to remain unchanged, their performances, except for Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty, have been inconsistent. Lakshya Sen found form in Europe after a long spell of early defeats, but HS Prannoy and Kidambi Srikanth are some way off their best. Still, given that team matches are a different challenge, the Indians do have the experience and the personnel to do well this time too.
Resurgent Indonesia
India’s Group C clash with Indonesia is likely to be among the early highlights of the tournament. With Jonatan Christie, Anthony Ginting and Chico Aura Dwi Wardoyo hitting form in Europe, and with strong doubles pairs, the Indonesians will back themselves to do a repeat of 2021.
Denmark, in Group D, are also among the frontline contenders. The Danes can look to Viktor Axelsen, Anders Antonsen and Rasmus Gemke, while in doubles, Kim Astrup/Anders Skaarup Rasmussen and Rasmus Kjaer/Frederik Sogaard are capable of delivering two points against any opposition.
The Danes are grouped with Malaysia, Hong Kong China and Algeria. With Ng Tze Yong pulling out due to injury, Malaysia are heavily dependent on Lee Zii Jia and the two doubles to deliver three points. Hong Kong China can pose a threat with the likes of Lee Cheuk Yiu and Ng Ka Long Angus and a few other players with experience such as Tang Chun Man and Lee Chun Hei Reginald.
Formidable China
As for hosts China, in Group A with Korea, Canada and Australia, the presence of Shi Yu Qi, Li Shi Feng, Wang Chang/Liang Wei Keng and Liu Yu Chen/Ou Xuan Yi gives them a formidable look.
Apart from these contenders, teams like Canada and Thailand could throw the higher-ranked powers into disarray. In Group A, Canada will hope to upset Korea, who are notably lean in singles, while Thailand could be the dark horse in Group C against whom Indonesia and India will have to be wary.
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