(ATR) Top-ranked doubles pair Cai Yun and Fu Haifeng of China as well as Malaysian world No. 1 Lee Chongwei are all talking about badminton’s tight scheduling after falling short at the season-ending World Superseries Finals in Liuzhou, China.
The hosts showed their domination of the sport all week long before winning four out of the five titles up for grabs Sunday.Only Danish pair Mathias Boe and Carsten Mogensen prevented the sweep by beating Guang Zhendong and Chai Biao in the men’s doubles final.
A number of badminton’s biggest stars disappointed in Liuzhou. Cai and Fu, in particular, did not advance past the group stage.
"We could see many shutters were not in their best form because we have to play from the start to the end of the year," Cai told Around the Rings.
"It’s tiring. The finals is the season-ending event in 2011, but the South Korea Open will begin the new 2012 season two weeks later."
Reigning three-time World Superseries Finals champ Lee Chongwei echoed Cai’s concern after a loss to Chen Long of China ended his title defense.
"I am a bit tired after the whole season because I have played too many games this year," he said. "Maybe I need to plan my schedule better next year."
The $500,000 showdown in Liuzhou featured the world’s top eight singles players and doubles pairs in a five-day competition similar to the ATP World Tour Finals in tennis.
Group Round-Robin Presents New Challenge
The World Superseries Finals featured a group round-robin format to receive its Olympic debut at London 2012. According to top shuttlers, they are still getting used to the change.
"Everyone wants to finish on top the group stages, which makes no difference to me," Danish veteran Peter Gade toldATR.
"It makes it a bit easier to reach the knock-out stage because you still have a chance even if you lose the first game."
Cai Yun of China added: "We are not quite familiar with this system. We need to take some time to get used to that since we will face the same challenge next year."
Hidayat, Gade Unite Against China
Athens 2004 gold medalist Taufik Hidayat confirms that he has united with Gade to prevent the Chinese team from winning three singles spots in London.
The 30-year old Indonesian veteran told media in Liuzhouthat he came up with the idea and then discussed with Gade.
"It is normal that we want to stop them from taking too many advantages from the Olympic Games." Hidayat explained.
Only three players from one country finishing in the top four could guarantee London 2012 berths, based on the latest rule of the Badminton World Federation. Lee Chongwei of Malaysia, Lin Dan of China and Chen Long of China now rank Nos. 1-3 in the world. No. 4 Peter Gade is just ahead of No. 5 Chen Jin of China by 673 points.
However, Gade refused to comment on this supposed alliance and stressed his confidence on maintaining his current ranking.
"I know that I rank No. 4, and I understand that it is a bit hard for Chen Jin to win the third ticket for China in London," he said. "I am very proud of being at my current position, and I hope to win more titles in the future.
"I know I have to remain physically healthy. I hope that I can play my best level at the Olympic Games. What I need to do now is to maintain the level I’m at now, and anything could happen in London."
Written and reported in Liuzhou by Tencent's Norman Li and Nan Zhang
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