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KUALA LUMPUR: The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) has withdrawn its shuttles from next month’s Denmark Open (October 13-18) following the postponement of the Thomas Cup Finals and Uber in Aarhus from October 3-11 .
BAM Secretary Datuk Kenny Goh said the trip is no longer viable because the main goal was for players to compete in the prestigious team event.
The Danish Open is the only event held by the World Badminton Federation (BWF) outside of the three-tournament leg also held by the Danish Masters (20-25 October).
“Now that the Thomas and Uber Cup Finals are over, we have decided not to go to the Danish Open,” said Kenny.
“Also, it’s only for one tournament and with the Danish Masters canceled, it’s not worth it.”
A total of 21 shuttles, including three independent ones, have registered for the Danish Open.
They are Lee Zii Jia and Liew Daren in men’s singles; Soniia Cheah (single women); Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi and Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani (men’s doubles); Chow Mei Kuan-Lee Meng Yean, Vivian Hoo-Yap Cheng Wen, and Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah (female doubles); and Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing, Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie and Hoo Pang Ron-Cheah Yee See (mixed doubles).
The independent trio Daren and Yew Sin-Ee Yi can still get there, but on their own.
But they are unlikely to do so considering the risk of international travel amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
It looks like the Danish Open is going to lose its luster as more top-tier players, especially from Asia, are expected to withdraw following the postponement of the Finals.
Indonesia, South Korea, Thailand and Taiwan had already withdrawn from the two European stages when they announced their withdrawal from the Finals.
The participation of Japan’s world number one Kento Momota and reigning Chinese Olympic champion Chen Long are also in doubt, awaiting the decision of their respective teams.
The tournament could end up being contested by Europeans.
The BWF explained its decision to host the Danish Open in a statement yesterday.
“The Denmark Open will proceed as originally planned in the BWF Tournament Calendar. The event will also be used as an opportunity to implement the relevant Covid-19 safety protocols and operating procedures for the planned restart of international badminton tournaments. “
The badminton circuit had not yet resumed since the All-England in mid-March.
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