Chong Wei and Lin Dan want IBF to fine-tune draw process

Malaysia
Saturday 


IT is not fun coming up against one’s own team-mate in the early rounds of the World Champion ships.

And that is why Malaysia’s Lee Chong Wei and China’s Lin Dan are hoping that the Badminton World Federation (BWF) will look into fine-tuning the draw procedure for major events like the world meet.

In Paris, Chong Wei defeated Mohd Hafiz Hashim in the second round while Lin Dan sent compatriot Bao Chunlai packing in the third round.

Chong Wei hoped that the draw process could be reviewed.

“It is different if we meet each other from the quarter-final stage onwards. It is not nice for the fans when two Malaysians square off against each other so early,” said Chong Wei.

Lin Dan said that he understood the complexity of a draw process – especially when it involves 64 players.

”BWF want the best for the fans but, I think, it will be better if top players from the same country avoid meeting each other in the early rounds,” said Lin Dan.

“It is unfortunate that Bao had to lose early. He lost out on an opportunity to earn valuable ranking points. He would have gone far if he was not in the same quarter with me. Maybe, there is another way to do this. I hope the BWF will look into it.”