Response to Previous Post

In response to my earlier post regarding the call for the International Badminton Federation (Now known as the Badminton World Federation, hereinafter known as the BWF) to investigate claims accusing China of foul play, I have received many heated responses claming that I have not based my arguments on solid evidence.

To set matters straight, I have, in no way accused China of any of its alleged misconduct. I have merely called for this case to be investigated by the BWF, so that we as badminton fans will be able to know, and be informed, by a governing body on this matter. I further reiterate I am in no way insinuating that China is cheating, and I merely stating that this behavior from China indeed draws attention, and one would be extremely ignorant not to be suspicious of such conduct. Indeed, my call for such an investigation is not unique to the sport of badminton; many other sports have had prior investigations into such similar suspicions. Therefore, as an Olympic sport, and to stop the perceived notion that China is either being wrongfully convicted of such acts, and hence making a mockery of the effort put in by their players, or that China is indeed getting away with such misconduct, depending on which side you believe in, I call for an investigation by the BWF on this matter.

However, it would be unconventional and ignorant for me not to present rebuttal to the claims that my calls for an investigation are baseless. Indeed, it would be unprofessional of me, as a blogger, to present my readers with the facts, and only the facts of the suspicions of millions of fans worldwide. Hence, I present to you the facts of such disputes, which include, but are not necessarily restricted to (note: as there are many instances of such alleged cheatings by China, I will only list controversial actions committed this year):

1. German Open: Chen Yu gave a walkover to Lin Dan, while making the finals of the All England one week later. Is this fast recovery, or an attempt to save energy? While I don’t think this is strictly prohibited, I still think such walkovers are not in the spirit of badminton.

2. China Masters: Almost all linesmen and umpires in several crucial matches involving Chinese players were from China. This not only raises many people’s eyebrows, but it also represents the unprofessional organization on behalf of the Chinese badminton governing body. In addition to this, there were several crucial line calls that went China’s way. In an international Super Series tournament, how can an official be from the same country as one of the participants? Wouldn’t this account for a conflict of interest?

3. Macau Open: Chen Hong gave a highly controversial walkover to Chen Jin, while appearing to be fine the day of the match. Does Chen Hong really have an injury, or is he faking it for the benefit of his countryman? Another controversial act was by Chen Jin in the finals to wipe his sweat on the shuttle to make it heavier, allegedly to neutralize Taufik Hidayat’s smash and net play. While this might constitute bad sportsmanship, and being against the spirit of the sport, should this be allowed?

There should be a line on what is allowed and what is not allowed in professional badminton, and BWF should draw that line clearly. Once again, I am not accusing any party of being a cheat, and am just relaying some of the concerns badminton fans around the world have regarding this sport.