The Malaysia Open Grand Prix Gold lost its glitter when badminton powerhouse China decided to skip the tournament in Johor Baru from May 1-6.
The closing date was Thursday but China entered neither their top stars nor their junior players.
This may be a wise decision by China. As the Malaysia Open GP Gold is the first tournament after the end of the Olympic qualifying period, it is better for them to focus on the Olympic Games and give their players a break.
South Korea, Denmark and Indonesia’s top players are also giving the tournament a miss to prepare for the Thomas Cup Finals in Wuhan from May 20-27 and the Olympic Games in London.
Malaysia, however, will have their entire national team, led by world No. 1 Lee Chong Wei, taking part in the competition.
Chong Wei is the top seed and world No. 12 Nguyen Tien Minh the second in the men’s singles.
The title is expected to go Chong Wei’s way as his only rival appears to be Indonesia’s Sony Dwi Kuncoro.
But Sony’s form has been questionable due to his back injury and it remains to be seen whether the former World Championships silver medallist has regained his touch.
In the men’s doubles, world No. 8 Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong are the top seeds as all the seven pairs ahead of them in the rankings won’t be competing.
Despite their top billing, defending champions Kien Keat-Boon Heong should not underestimate South Korean youngsters Cho Gun-woo-Kang Ji-wook, who are capable of pulling off an upset.
Courtesy of The Star
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