Thailand assures safest badminton tourney

China's pull-out blows a big hole in the draw for the three world tour events from January 12 in Bangkok, the first in Asia since Covid-19 shut down the sport in March

Bangkok: Thailand’s badminton chief pledged that next month’s restart tournaments will be the “safest in the world” on Wednesday after heavyweights China withdrew because of coronavirus restrictions.

China’s pull-out blows a big hole in the draw for the three world tour events from January 12 in Bangkok, the first in Asia since Covid-19 shut down the sport in March.

Badminton Association of Thailand president Patama Leeswadtrakul said China’s anti-coronavirus rules prevented the team, which includes men’s Olympic champion Chen Long and women’s world number two Chen Yufei, from travelling.

“The reason is that the Chinese government doesn’t allow them to go out of the country — not just for the sport of badminton but for all kinds of athletes,” Patama said.

The three back-to-back tournaments, in bio-secure “bubble” conditions and behind closed doors, culminate in the delayed 2020 World Tour Finals from January 27. Patama said the Thai government has been working to ensure top standards of health, including isolating players the minute they get off their flights.

“This bubble competition will be the safest in the world,” Patama said. “After January 4, no one is allowed to enter this bubble and all the measures and protocol are very strict for the health and safety of everyone.