Lin Dan is the best showman in the planet badminton. Or should I say, the best “no show” man on the badminton planet. Twice, this week in Singapore, he failed to show up when he was expected to deliver. First, in the pre-tournament press conference. This led to a round of very bitter articles from the local and international press. Second, for the final of the Li-Ning Singapore Super Series. One of the 12 best tournaments of the world…
Old demons again. On Saturday, Lin Dan was joking and laughing during his post semi-final press conference. And was quoted as saying that it wasn’t so important to win, but that his role was now most of all to promote the sport. And the next day, he doesn’t show up for the final. Ill with gastroenteritis, according to the official report. It was not the best promotion, and the 7400 strong crowd certainly was not pleased and booed the Olympic Champion – something I was seeing for the first time ever in a badminton event.
Of course, there is always a possibility that Lin Dan is really ill. After all the tournament doctor confirmed it. But, from previous experiences, the doubts are only legitimate. I was there, in the final of the 2008 All England, when he lost the final to Chen Jin – him again – and told the press he couldn’t play his best because he had a knee injury. His face was dejected…or angry. Lin Dan doesn’t like to lose. But obviously, offering Chen Jin a direct ticket to the 2008 Olympics was more important than Lin Dan’s ego…or knees. Of course, it was a great strategic move from the Chinese powerhouse – Chen Jin was later to bring back a bronze medal from the Games – but a lousy sportsmanship manoeuvre.
This morning, in the Singapore Indoor Stadium, kids were all excited because they were to see Lin Dan, at last. He wasn’t here last year, and he’s obviously the best-known figure in this tournament since Lee Chong Wei hasn’t come. These kids, all excited, have gone home disappointed, like their parents…like the full house of the Singapore Indoor Stadium. If Lin Dan is not really ill – this might just be speculation but I’ll still get to the point – if he’s not really ill, then I just find it disrespectful. To the spectators who have bought their tickets for today’s finals. To the TV spectators from all over the world, who were eager to see another great match from the best player ever. To Peter Gade, whom Lin beat last night in a great performance, only to grant a walkover the next day. To the tournament organizers, who put a lot of effort towards putting on a great show. To the sponsors – in this case, the Chinese team’s own sponsors!
Sports’ ethics and patriotism
In an older editorial, I had referred to China shooting themselves in the foot, meaning, when things like that happen, not only is everyone suspicious, but most of the press following the sport closely – even some Chinese reporters – are finding it hard to believe that injuries strike when good points are at stake and when Chinese are playing compatriots. It’s been going on for a long time, with always the same debate: the sports ethics versus patriotism. Badminton is an individual sport event, not a team sport – apart from the team competitions like Thomas Cup, Uber Cup, and Sudirman Cup. There, China can show their power as a team, as a country. But for individual events, like the Super Series, it should be a fair fight, even between compatriots. Because as I’ve mentioned before, Baron Pierre de Coubertin – my compatriot – made it clear that being part of an Olympic sport meant that you have to give your best when you compete. Not your best to make your country be the best in the world, but the best of your own capacity, as an individual. Clearly not what Chinese shuttlers are doing when pulling out of major finals like today.
After his booed appearance, Lin Dan faced the media and explained what had happened the previous night and why he couldn’t get on court. He also mentioned that he was not aware of “such things as match-fixing between Chinese players”… but did mention that the interest of the nation is more important than anything. A hint?
Who is to blame?
On the other hand, I do not blame Lin Dan. Because – once again if the stomach problems are just an excuse – it might not be his own decision. What if his options were: withdraw, citing illness, or go on court and act, to finally lose? Lin Dan is a true champion. He goes on court to win, as he should. He might find it very hard to have to bow to a compatriot for the sake of the nation. I can’t blame him, really. If I were in his shoes – very worthy shoes! – I would probably do the same. It must feel terrible to play less than your best, knowing you’re going to feel compelled to lose at the end. And as I said before, the Chinese shuttlers are the best in the world and probably the first ones to suffer from this. Those who win because their compatriots didn’t give their best, or those who “have to lose”. It doesn’t matter, in either case, the victory or defeat is just bitter. Lin Dan stood in front of 7400 spectators who booed him. Probably not a nice feeling at all. Is it worth giving extra ranking points to his opponent of the day, and saving energy to beat players from other nations next week?
This is a tricky issue. It’s almost impossible to force players to play their best. It’s almost impossible – even with an independent doctor – to confirm whether an injury or illness is real or not. It seems impossible to convince some national federations that it is crucial that everyone play the same game in a fair way. So, maybe it’s time to take action. The Badminton World Federation will hopefully look into the matter – they have done a good job lately trying to make the sport move forward. I do hope that there will be ways in the future to bring more justice to the sport. For the sake of those who do try their best on court and follow Coubertin’s wise words. For the sake of the millions of TV spectators. For the sake of the sport itself. For the sake of the Chinese players. They deserve better than being under suspicion each time there is a walkover as they are incredible athletes and don’t need this to win. And for the sake of these kids, running down the hallways, who were so disappointed when they heard that Lin Dan was not playing. After all, they are the ones we must convince if we want badminton to be popular amongst future generations….
If he was really ill, then my apologies. “Sorry sorry”, as he told the media, after not showing up for the pre-tournament press conference…
By Raphael Sachetat, Chief Editor of Badzine.
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BWF should take stren action.No the first time but too many times.If Lin dan to non chinese player in the final he definitely will play.
It is only the Chinese who have all these excuses…. Maybe it is beyond Lin Dan’s own decision, but his China team coach/managers could have made the decision for him not to play, ensuring the Chinese shuttlers do not cannibalise themselves since the title and 2nd placing has been already secured by China. How come Lin Dan didnt have stomach pains when he was facing Simon Santoso at quarterfinals or Peter Gade at semifinals…but suddenly is unwell, when he has to play Chen Jin at the finals?
How can the badminton propel itself on a world class stage when athletes do not display true sportsmanship to play in the tournament just because they are meeting their own country men?This doesnt happen in tennis, squash, or other sports.The BWF should really censure the Chinese team and issue them a warning!
I have to be honest, I was very doubtful about the whole ‘illness’ claim. If this were the Olympics, would he still have played even if he were ill? I think yes!
I don’t know the BWF rules, but the organizers should forfeit the prize money for whoever withdraws… or at least half of it. Also, automatic ‘winners’ from walkover matches shouldn’t get ranking points (or all of it)!
Today I lost all respect for the China team.
If a finalist is unwell and withdraws due to injury then the losing semi- finalist ( example Peter Gade) should be allowed to play finals. The Game is more important than the player ( or even the Chinese Team)!!
I note your point but then CJ’s defeated Chinese opponent may raise a hue and cry.
On a count-back, PHG obviously deserved to be given a shot at the final and that CJ should not be just given the title.
The ‘withdrawal’ man has raised a lot of ripples again.
At first: I like your article ! I think its weird too, but I don´t blame Lin Dan too because maybe he was really ill, the doctor said it ! But can you explain why the AE 2008 win CJ helps to qualifiy for the olympics ? He was WR 4 at this time and he would have played at the olympics with a very high seeding anyway, it wasn´t depending on 2000 points or more !? so can you please explain what is the point on that ? I read it often, but I don´t get it
Thank you LD. Chen Jin needed the points from the All England 2008 as he was short of points to be in the top 4 otherwise – If I recall well, he would have dropped points from the previous year and hence drop in the world ranking. Remember that a nation can only send 3 players to the Olympics if they are in the top 4 in the world. Had Chen Jin dropped to #5, he would have stayed home instead of bringing back Bronze from Beijing. Also, few months later, in ABC Champs, Lin Dan lost to Chen Jin again, which definitely gave him his ticket to the Olympics. Now, saying that Lin Dan did it on purpose is pure speculation, of course…
I agree LD we should not blame LinDan. All faults isn’t going against LinDan!
One of the best posting i’ve ever read on Badzine ! I hope China Badminton Team will not do this anymore, because many many badminton spectators around the world are so dissapointed . I really love articles written by Raphael Sachetat. So deep and inspiring. Thank you so much.
Thank you Steven. I appreciate your praise. I wish I had more time – just like everyone else at Badzine – to write more often in depth articles.
Those who criticize china’s action have no understanding and appreciation of the
geopolitical involvement of the sport badminton. Critic still trying to equate badminton
as an individual sports like tennis and squash, you are totally wrong, badminton is a team
sport, hence, the china badminton team.
It’s also unfair to to say LD was no show for the press conference. Taufik suffered
the same undeserved accusation. http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20110615/sp_wl_afp/badmintonsupersin_20110615135058
“I’m sorry about not coming for the press conference on Monday, but the media said I’m not professional. How come I’m not professional?” Hidayat asked.
“You tell me one hour before (about the press conference) so why do you write in the Indonesian media that I’m not professional? It gives me a bad name,” he fumed.
“It’s big. In Indonesia, badminton is big. My name is bad about it through the media. I never said ‘no’ to the press conference.”
“If the player did not receive the message it’s not the fault of the player,” said media director Rose Tan.
If you want china badminton players to have more sportmanship, then BWF should stop stacking china players in one side of the draw of BWF tournaments.
If you want china badminton players to have more sportmanship, the IOC should ban the rule that china can only send 3 players to the Olympic games. Let the best players play, not to put quota for each country. If one wants a chartiable tournament, call it what it is. Don’t call it the olympic games.
Since the current BWF and IOC rules stack against china, it is fair for china to address these inequality the best way they can.
By the way, LD did show up at the final, in person. He just didn’t play. He could easily
stayed in his hotel or flew home but he endured the booing and was there at the award ceremony. He also put in a great show against peter gade and simon santoso. It’s not like the fans didn’t see any LD.
Dear Cooler. Thank you for your post. If Badminton was a team sport, then, competition would revolve around team events only. It is not the case and the Olympics are not a team competition. There are rules to it, and ethics. Those who don’t accept it can feel free not to participate. The debate whether China should be allowed to send more players is a good one. It is true, that because of this rule, China has less chances to win the Gold medal and it may not sound very fair. But I believe this rule was applied because if China were to send all its best shuttlers, then they would probably win all gold medals by strategic moves and talent. Which would probably end up harming the sport as IOC official would not see badminton as a worldwide sport, and hence, may take it out of the program. Then, China’s loss too.
As for the draws in the events, it’s not BWF, but a random process for the non seeded.
Last but not least. I do agree that Lin Dan was brave to come up and confront the public. He may have had to stand and apologize for a decision that may not have been his. He is a great champion, that’s not the question. The policy behind yielding to other compatriot is at the center of the debate here. And some spectators only came to the final to see Lin Dan. I had a friend who flew from Vietnam to see him. Just on Finals day. Tough luck ?
Great post Raphael.
I certainly agree with you and I feel sorry for the organization behind Singapore Open who probably suffers the most from exactly this incident. Overall our sport is in agony because of what happend today.
Yes this type of thing has happened before as you mentioned and gives the sport a bad reputation. Its almost like the cricket match fixing scandal. If you are watching two side compete against each other, but have this doubt in your mind whether its already been planned who will win, it takes out the thrill and enjoyment in viewing it.
The reason everybody is questioning this is it never seems to happen against another country, only China vs China does this type of thing pop up and we all know why.
Politics, national associations, patriotic overtones, should all butt out and let the players compete fairly and give the crowd a good show.
I wouldn’t qualify what the tournament doctor said that LD did have gastro. He probably just asked him does he feel unwell and LD said yes, and then its “official”. This is very disappointing for world badminton and China should be punished by BWF for this unethical strategy – award no prize money or ranking points for the final. Put Gade and Wang into the final!
The Chinese got to where they really are through hardwork and sheer arrogance…Is that what it takes to be world class in sports? I hope not.
Cooler – why is badminton any different from tennis? There are players from the same country and they also have singles and doubles category… Are you suggesting that if a tennis player wins, doesnt his country also share in his achievement?
Athletes in badminton are also recognized as individuals, and have their own identity. They are not slaves to their nation. Perhaps it is true that the China badminton association has so much influence over its athletes that they have but no choice to abide accordingly or risk, being replaced by the next best player. It is a survival of the ‘fittest’ in China and I think it is also the survival of the ‘obedience’ to the system, if they still want to compete on the scene…
But think about it… if other nations also follow suit in their practices, if one day we have Indo vs Indo or Msia vs Msia…and then player gives up for the other to proceed, what is
going to happen to true sportsmanship?
In addition, for a sport to grow, there are other factors involved, sponsorship and fan support. Sponsors put in millions of dollars to support a tournament, and fans pay to watch and defray the cost of putting the event together… By whim and fancy (and much doubt that Lin Dan was really ill), his no-show really turned the tide – the many fans who were coming to support LNSO2011 Final Day had their spirits dampened. Imagine if you were all excited to come and watch your favourite star in action and he just didnt play. You shouldnt negate the disappointment of the fans… and also the after-effects of how this may even have a ripple effect on next year’s tournament.
You also mentioned that “Those who criticize china’s action have no understanding and appreciation of the geopolitical involvement of the sport badminton.” Why should the whole world give concession to China’s geopolitical involvement in badminton? Badminton is not just all about China. Granted they do have many talented shuttlers… but it doesn’t mean that shuttlers from other countries are no less worthy to watch, and have not contributed to the sport. Plus this is not the first time, China pulls this kind of trick from its players. It is a perpetual practice that they will sacrifice a player for another, to boost its standings. The idea is for a sport to be fair to its players… and above all, true sportsmanship, not such practices..
Yday I was at the stadium .. before the match began, I read The New Paper’s article on Lin Dan citing him as the Badminton Ambassador. He was quoted saying that he wants to give back to the sport. And then, he had withdrew in the finals, so that his team mate can win… Where is his credibility as a world class player? I don’t have anything personally against Lin Dan.. I love watching him play and was rooting for him against Simon Santoso during the quarter finals and hoping he advances to the Finals.. as I know that he can draw people to come and watch the beauty of this sport and for non-sports spectators, it can also help them appreciate the game and who knows, mayb develop an interest to pick up badminton.. No matter how you try to justify Lin Dan’s actions, his no-show has more ills on a larger global platform than the gains for the Chinese team.
Do we want the sport to be manipulated by China team, so that they can advance their players? Maybe you would, but I doubt so the world will say yes. BWF should continue to monitor the situation and do something about it.
Raphael – Love your article and PR responses…wish we had more time to catch up this time around since I’m no longer working at the event… Till next year, take care!
I think Lin Dan is a rare breed – World-class talent plus HONEST character. He rather walk-over than lose on purpose. He rather get booed and demonised than let the crowd down even more by losing on purpose.
The Chinese team has a history of such things. I was really surprised when i came across this video clip on youtube. Past players were instructed to lose! See for yourself.
1963 Badminton-Tang Xian Hu (汤仙虎) and Hou Jia Chang (侯加昌)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1AhOhbVFVY&feature=BFa&list=PL3117D1DB41E54ACD&index=2
I don’t agree with Raphael, although I can understand that it is very disappointing when a final game has to be canceled.
The official statement is: Lin Dan couldn’t play because of illness. I do not understand why we first have to think that he is lying. Even an independent doctor confirmed it.
But now, let’s assume that LD is lying. Isn’t he allowed to do that? I am not saying that this should be appreciated. There is no rule which says that every athlete has to give his/her best or even has to play. In other words: Lin Dan’s action from yesterday IS allowed.
Again, I’d like to mention that this has nothing to do with fair play. But in this issue, we have to be precise. Lin Dan has not done anything forbidden.
I do not appreciate such a thing at all and I think the only way to prevent such thing in future is to convince the Chinese Association about we are talking about.
Firstly, great post as always, Raphael! I love it.
Honestly, like many other badminton fans, the first thought which came to my mind when I saw the news about Lin Dan’s withdrawal was that it was to let Chen Jin win. But for a reason or more, I then switched to stand on Lin’s side.
Reason one, he COULD be really sick. True, it has happened quite some many times when Lin Dan plays a fellow countryman, but THERE ARE people on earth who are just so unlucky that such things always happen to him/her on the wrong time(lots of coincidence, in short) , causing everyone to dislike this particular person.
Reason two, if Lin Dan wasn’t really sick, it was a tough decision to make, thinking from Lin’s point of view. We all know half of the world loves him, and the other half are just against him. I’m certain he knows it too. Like Raphael said, Lin Dan doesn’t like to lose and badminton fans all know Lin and – of course – his ego. Therefore, personally, I think Lin Dan is great – by that I mean great enough to sacrifice himself, be it to follow an order he cannot decline or to create chance for a fellow compatriot. Furthermore, it’s a sacrifice that does no good to him personally, yet drawing another huge wave of “anti-ism” and boos onto himself.
China, as I personally see, is a nation with extremely patriotic citizens. Badminton – besides TUC and Sudirman Cup – is an individual sport, but to the Chinese, every tournament – even individual ones like these – is a tournament for the TEAM. They compete as a team, and cheer as a team. Probably that is why they’ve came up with such a habit – match-fixing – for the good of the whole team. It’s teamwork, which is good, but the action is definitely not a healthy sign for a healthy sport like this one.
After all that I’ve said, I hope to stress on this; don’t hate Lin Dan for this. I’m not Lin-Dan-biased, just speaking facts. I believe he has his reasons – be it really unlucky to fall sick/get injured at crucial times, or bluffing to make way for his fellow compatriot. Keeping a secret unwillingly, doing things that makes the world hate him. Lin Dan is really great. And of course, he has the skills, undoubtedly, which is really respectable as well.
Also, there’s a bad side of every good rule. Like cooler(comment above) said, the rules somehow took off China’s right of sending their best players by limiting the number of players they can send for the Olympics. It can be unfair to China, but from another point, it’s a way to give chance to other possible capable players who don’t rank as high. There’s no perfect rule I’d say, for every rule has its bad side.
If badminton is a GAME where off-court “planning” comes into part of the competition as well, it’s not wrong for China to do so. Yet, if badminton is a SPORT about skills and strategy planning ON COURT, China should keep their off-court planning skills and teamwork spirit for the team events and play individual events as individual events.
Even LinDan did not play on final it’s nevermind but LinDan did try to play on few days. You maybe buying tickets just to look at LinDan but LinDan is really guilty now. Anyway I will still support LinDan. LinDan! Do not give up!
LinDan! You’re always my idol!
Maybe many fans are angry at Lin Dan, but certain higher ups in China’s badminton association are responsible for this matter. Why cant their players qualify for Olympic by their own merit? Fixing the outcome of a match, telling their players to lose purposely, fake walkovers…Why cant Chen Jin win on his own merit if he thats valuable for Olympic? All these for patriotism? Why cant it be just fair play? If this is football, FIFA already banned China from the sport, but no, this is badminton, and what is BWF doing about it?
Its very sad to see a sport that I love so much losing its standard.
Raphael ? Why u not critized the. Tournament medical doctor,,, if this happen and happen again with the permition from the medical doctor,than we should blame the medical doctor,,, how come they ( doctor ) always agree to advised Lin Dan to walkover against his countrymen? Why always blame Lin Dan and China team,,, the Walkover will not happen if the doctor is not allowed it !!!! I think u ( Raphael ) is just want to make anti china fans happy with this biased article,,, u think u and those china haters are smarter than the doctor? They put their reputation to lie? Than why should be a tournament medical doctor? LOL
Dear Edwin. My dad is a Doctor. Before being a reporter, I went for medical studies. I know that for a Doctor, it can be quite tricky to confirm or infirm an illness such as Gastro-enteritis. Most of the time – it’s true for everyone. The doctors just make a jugement on what the patients tell them and I think in this case, Lin Dan explained all symptoms of a Gastric Flu, where the Tournament doctor confirmed it was. I doubt that it can be proven either right or wrong. But that’s not the point.
I do not blame Lin Dan – unless it’s his own decision not to play because he doesn’t want to. I blame the lack of sportmanship from an ethics point of view. Once again, everyone is playing the game with fairness. Why should China act differently?
And for your information, I like China. I like Chinese shuttlers because they are incredibly talented. I feel sorry for them when things like that happen. Lin Dan did admit in the past that country was coming before any individual interest. It just goes against the sports ethics. It may not be “forbidden”, but it’s just against the ethics.
Good comments EL!
This is the kind of game that China plays. They are bullies that cannot be bullied. That’s why BWF could not do anything. BWF lacks teeth against the MIGHTY CHINESE team. It’s just sad.
They should make a rule to allow the losing semi finalist to play in case of a walk over. This should hopefully deter cheaters like CHINA.
Raphael, sport journalists are middleman of the mind control game between the big corporation and the sport fans. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E31gY4KpOK0
I can see you play both sides of this matter. You question and despise LD tactics and yet you don’t blame him. Are you joking us? Yes, of course, playing it safe wins audience from both from sides. Hey, that’s good journalism, is that right or can i label it as poor ethics?
You said “Once again, everyone is playing the game with fairness. Why should China act differently you asked”. Well, Lin Dan live in china. So i ask you, why does LD has to act like a western sport icon?? Does roger federer or nadal hold a higher sport virtue and esteem than a chinese sport icon? Does individualism reign supreme over group cooperation?
Then why china is kicking ass in the world affairs, win oil contracts everywhere without firing a shot while US (and NATO which include uk and france) presently is in 5 wars in the oil rich middle east countries and still can’t win any oil. Explain to me which ethic is better.
You said “It just goes against the sports ethics. It may not be “forbidden”, but it’s just against the ethics.” Well, you view sport ethic from your world. What LD did is good ethic from his world. What or who make your view of ethic more holy than others?
Good day, Cooler.
As I know, journalists also write something called a commentary/review. A commentary is where the writer writes about his/her thoughts of the matter, isn’t it? I see this piece of article as a commentary rather than a report (where journalists are suppose to write neutrally, or as the middleman like you said).
I’ve experienced uncomfortable feelings whenever a writer on a newspaper writes a commentary that doesn’t tally with my opinion at all. But the writer is only writing his/her opinion, just like how ours would turn out if we had written one. I think there’s so many people around commenting on every matter that happens every now and then, and we wouldn’t know unless it’s written in public. What I mean is, why waste energy debating with one of the MANY people on earth who don’t share the same opinion as yourself? It just isn’t smart, isn’t it?
On a neutral point, I found this piece of work by Raphael more like a gather of facts. He’s mentioned the good side and also the bad, and the decision as to who is right and who is wrong is in our hands. We can read his points and decide on our conclusion which may differ from that of his.
I guess after reading this article, it’s just like reading a book. For example, I found this book good, or I think it’s just not well written. I feel it’s a very normal thing. Readers not agreeing with articles written, it happens often.
Lastly, I’d like to say you have quite good knowledge and you have your own reasoning, which I find really good, because people nowadays just read a piece and gets influenced. It’s good to see people thinking independently.
There’s just two sides (or more) of everything. What I think is right might be something very wrong to others. Like the difference of ethics you mentioned. Even philosophy have sayings that go against each other. Raphael is writing from his point of view, while you write from yours and I write from mine. None of you are wrong, both are right from a point, in fact. I think it shows both of you are good reasoners with your very own opinions. Which is good.
Regards. Be happy.
jd, i won’t be replying to your posts, your point of views are all over the map. It’s like chasing down gophers all over the place but for very little meat. I hope my other replies would cover some of my major points. Sorry, my time resources are not that plentiful.
yes, LD had said he like to promote badminton but that doesn’t preclude him of his utmost obligation and loyalty, his motherland. Why is this not a noble character versus being a part time badminton spokeman at any cost?? When you go to work for a company full time, you’re suppose to work as per company work hours. If your happen to get sick or your mother is ill, are you not obligated to do the right thing and skip work? Is staying at work in this situation makes one more ethical?
Wow, Cooler I think you may have gone a little off topic.But just so i understand, you think it is ethical and good sportsmanship for coaches and officials to decide the outcome matches and not the ability of players? Matches where gambling is now common place? Many different sports have already seen athletes charged with criminal offences for activities that could be considered very similar to those that have been discussed above.
Erwin – You say that even if Lin Dan was not sick, that he has done nothing wrong and IS allowed to pull out should he so choose.I think both yourself and Cooler need to take a look at the BWF Players code of conduct, something that all players at international events are bound by and can be sanctioned for breaking. You might find some of the points very interesting
Cooler, first of all I respect you have different points of view than me. Even though some of your points upset me.
I think you are wrong by linking this to geopolitical differences. True, there’s a huge gap between how we perceive things in the west compared to eg. Asia. But pls separate sports from politics; it’s a very different discussion in a very different forum.
None of us can tell if Lin Dan was ill or not. Whether it’s understandable and acceptable that Lin Dan didn’t play if he was alright is grotesque.
If he was fit to play Lin Dan, the Chinese team or LDs coach – everyone who made the decision, carried it out or supported it took the entire badminton world hostage.
Short term: BWF has set the rules for qualifications for the Olympics. Maybe they don’t favor China but they favor the diversity of badminton which BWF and the Olympic Foundation value higher. If China don’t like these rules, you can’t argue that it’s alright they just bend/break them as they like. Either you play by the rules set out or you don’t join the game. Anything else is anarchy.
Long term: Not playing or not playing your best when you are fit is match fixing. It’s not an interpretation of ethics or national interests – it’s match fixing. For many reasons match fixing is not allowed.
You fool the audience, you fool the organizers, you fool your competitors and your fool the sponsors. It will dampen the interest for badminton worldwide and the development of the sport is dependent on increased attention. Badminton might be removed from the Olympic programme because the dominating nation bypasses the rules as they please.
Short term China might benefit from match fixing. Long term we all lose, including China.
Mila, well written, agree 100%
BadmintonSupporter:
Show me the paragraph where a player (taking part in a competition) is obliged to play his best. many times and for any reason it happened that someone didn’t play his/her best. all of them have done something unallowed?
somehow there is a reason why BWF does NOT investigate in this issue. for me there wouldn’t be any reason for that. On the one hand I agree that acting in this way is “ethically incorrect”, on the other hand I do not disagree to BWF’s opinion.
we have to think broader. our way of thinking is not the way of thinking for everybody in the world! we have to repect that. we have to be broad-minded
anyway, we wanna be precise again: if there is such a paragraph in any law/rule/regularity or whatever, u r totally right.
mila, u r naive to think of a politic free olympic games. The OG is the most political driven sport event in the world. There are scandal, controversies, back room deals, favortism, etc happening even before the game start. Why are u so blind to these politic and demand purity and righteousness from only badminton?
You also keep alleging china is breaking rules and laws. If so, why BWFand IOC don’t come donw on china?
You believe china is ruining badminton but i beg to differ. I believe if u sum up everything, china contributed more in badminton than if china didn’t dominate. I believe world badminton would had become side note. Badminton popularity risen about the same time that china appearing strong in the world badminton scene. Hmmm, how coincident.
BadmintonSupporter, china didn’t break any rules and law. Yes they might have pull the rule/law to its limit or to the grey area. I see that in other sports as well.
mila, in the name of diveristy and sportmanship, why are you supporting IOC, an organization that disallow women ski jump in the olympic as an example?
http://www.cbc.ca/sports/amateur/story/2009/04/22/sp-skijumping-olympic-women.html
A lot of ppl think that China’s domination is turning Badminton into Ping Pong…
That’s why they make it a big fuss of Lin Dan’s walkover, supposedly to let Chen JIn hv more points…
If it’s LCW, then they will say Lin Dan scare to face him like Malaysian Open 2011…
I thought that the tournament doctor has notify that Lin Dan did not lie that he was sick…
Why ppl still accuse him?????
I dare ppl say it loud ; just ban China…Come on, isn’t tiz WHAT IS ALL ABOUT?…
I’m so sick of these China bashers…
Damn China for too gud in Badminton…
Damn China if they dun send their team to tournaments…
Badminton existed since 1893. First summer olympic game in modern era was in 1896. The IBF was formed in 1934. Badminton was debuted in 1992.OG. Please don’t tell me that china had hindered badminton of becoming an olympic sport.
Tiz whole Lin Dan walkover thing is quite simple…
If he is trully sick, then why blame him? Dare u guys say u didn’t ever get sick?
If he’s lying, then shame on him and China team…
Since the tournament doctor has clarify that Lin Dan is trully sick, then why r the writer speculating that Lin Dan is not?
It seems to me that the writer is trying to badmouth Lin Dan…character assasination no less…
It is a well known fact in badminton circles that Chinese officials have for years dictated the results of certain China Vs China matches. This has even been admitted by their officials (eg. 2004 Olympic WS semi final). To me this is a clear breach of te code of conduct.
I am not trying to be a China basher as Nicky put it, the country is not the issue, it just that China are the country that is in this position at the moment. The discussion would be the same if it was Denmark in the position of dominance.
Also I’m not sure how cooler has come up with the idea that people are tryin to say china has hindered the entry of badminton into te olympics, no one tried to make this point.
Erwin- go to the BWF website and download the player code of conduct under the BWF laws and regulations, section 1B, appendix 4. Point 4.5
Oh, by the way, please, someone tell Lin Dan NOT TO DRINK TOO MUCH COLD WATER after his match against Sho Sasaki. It would really be a shame if Chen Jin benefited once again from a Walk over…
Love your article R.S..
Actually I’m one of the thousand spectators who already bought a ticket to watch a semi-final match between Lin Dan vs Lee Chong Wei at the Malaysia Open this year. I even persuade my friends to watch together ..just to let them experience the excitement of this sport when the world class players on court. At first i do angry about Lin Dan withdrawal but then I realized his human after all… but when too often doing it specially when he has to face his team mate..it’s quite difficult to believe the authenticity of it.
About your comment ,”….someone tell Lin Dan NOT TO DRINK TOO MUCH COLD WATER after his match against Sho Sasaki”…is priceless =P
badminton supporter said “Also I’m not sure how cooler has come up with the idea that people are tryin to say china has hindered the entry of badminton into te olympics, no one tried to make this point.”
the reason i brought that point up was from my constant reading about how china domination and match fixing have hurt badminton and fostering bad sportmanship. The point i’m making was that IBF had 75-80 years to popularize badminton, the 2nd most participated sports in the world behind soccer, but wasn’t successful until china was allowed into IBF tournaments in the 1970′s (correct me if i’m wrong on this date), then badminton got into olympic in about 20 years in 1992.
Since u didn’t comprehend my above point, i question about the strength of discussion from your other postings.
Let’s not cast aspersions on ‘discussion strength’ just because someone asks for clarification on a point, especially one only elucidated with a vague reference to ‘constant reading about how china domination and match fixing have hurt badminton’. For one thing, not every Badzine reader can be expected to be familiar with what every other reader has read. For another, I wonder if there is not some confusion here (origins unknown) about domination and the Olympics. I have read articles and certainly plenty of readers’ opinions talking about badminton being on shaky ground in terms of continued inclusion in the Olympics for everything from line call controversies to match fixing to Asian/Chinese/3-nation medal count domination. I don’t know how well-founded these fears are. What I have not heard is an accusation that China could have hindered its entry into the Olympics. After all, that entry was in 1992 (or earlier, as the demonstration event was 1988), when China was not yet the dominant force it is now. I don’t know whether China was in a position to stage walkovers in those days, as they and Korea have admitted to doing since.
Cooler, I think the connection you draw between China’s entry into world badminton and Olympic inclusion makes more sense. I don’t know for how long it has been #2 in the world by participation but it is possible that this is itself tied to China’s growing population. However, either way, I do not think it’s a coincidence that we had the advent of legions of fine badminton players from China, millions more TV sets owned by Chinese people with an interest in badminton, and then around the same time badminton becoming an Olympic medal event.
I think China is only part of the explanation why badminton entered the Olympic program. The main reason was diversity as a move away from the usual Euro- and Anglo-centric sports program at the Olympics.
I still believe match fixing will hurt badminton’s chances of staying on the Olympic program. In particular because it’s one of the least watched TV-sports during the games. Two important elements disfavouring our sport.
China returned to IBF in about 1981.
It was a very very complicated story which includes the political issue between China and Taiwan.
for those who bought tickets to see LD finals (or any key match or events) in any tournaments and the match did not occur, then the proper way is to seek partial refund from your tournament organizer which u deserve. Badminton tournaments like super series are no longer run on shoe string, they are well financed to take on the risk of hosting these events, and shall rea[ their profit and loss result from it.
Nicky:
yes, unfortunately, most bashers have poor memory.
In the 2011 All England, taufik, peter gade and the badminton media have all said it’s gonna be a white wash by china. It will be a surprise if china didn’t sweep the titles in the 2011 AE. The outcome was LD lost to lee chong wei, men double cai/fu was not even in the final. Only china team with woman in it have won. Not so slam dunk after all.
LD got beaten by Sho Sasaki in Indonesia Open 2011 r16….
I wonder what the writer gonna say now?
So now he’s throwing away the match coz he wan to qualify other chinese players…
So now he deliberately lose coz he’s afraid to face Indonesians at their home…
So now he match fix the match so that LCW or TH or PG or CJ or watever to win the match…
Give me a BREAK plz…LD is god of badminton but he’s not invicible….
Seriously, the tournament doctor has certify that LD is trully sick…
Why is the writer speculating that he’s pretending to be sick and throw away the match to CJ…tiz is tantamount to match-fixing which i see as a serious crime….
If u hv the evidence to support ur accusation that LD match fixing the match, then show us the proof…
Otherwise, u just doing injustice to LD…It’s character assasinnation…
Ok, freedom of speech/opinion…u say….
Then, how u feel if i accuse u of murdery, rape, robberry, AIDS, corruption, etc….
So, i dun hv proof…u demand apology…Ok, i say sorry….U ok with that????
Dear Zen (Nicky) – first of all, you should change your pseudo – it doesn’t fit your messages which seem to be a bit aggravated
As I have written – and as you may have read, I feel sorry for Lin Dan in any ways. Either he was really sick – and that’s a shame – or he was hinted it would be good if he let Chen Jin get the points. Either way, I feel sorry for this Genius of badminton.
And if I allowed myself to wonder is because it has happened in the past. Chinese officials HAVE ADMITTED to having fixed matches (Olympics 2004) for the sake of the nation. Then, why wouldn’t they do it again for the sake of having an extra player in the 2012 Olympics ?
If nothing had happened before, no one would be speculating. Unfortunately, it did
This leaves the world to wonder each time Chinese are facing each other. And that’s what I call hurting the game : the suspicion over these great players. They deserve better than that.
Can u show me the evidence that LD is not sick b4 u start acussing plz…..
Otherwise, then it’s all BULLS***!!!!!
SHOW ME THE EVIDENCE ………
btw, 2012 is going to be END OF WORLD…
Sports’ ethics? Baron Pierre de Coubertin ?
Do you know the history of Olympic?
Coubertin is just a myth.
He even said women cannot participate in OG. He hated peoeple paly for money.
He was an absolutely patriot because in 1870 French lose to Germany.
Patriotism palyes an important role in Coubertin”s belif about OG.
Old OG was held for God (like Jupiter Apolo….). Old athletes played for the sake
of religion. Nowadays. religion is no longer important. Country instead of God becomes
the belif.
So . is patriotism wrong? Even China fixed the game. it must be seen as an effort for the
glory of country just like the old athletes did in Athen 2000 years ago.
Any sport in OG is never competition between players rather than “Countries”.
OK. you may say players should paly for himself rather than anyelse.
Let us see the OG CHARTER.
“The practice of sport is a human right. Every individual must have the possibility of practising sport”
If it is ture. why does BWF allow only 2 or 3 palyers( ranking in top 10) join OG
each “Country”? How to explain ” individual “?
kkk, it is the OG rules that put quota of only 3 top players maximum per country per event.
for thos indonesia fans who think china is match fixing, why not go back to liem sie king versus rudy hartono. http://www.badders.com/forum/showpost.html?p=4287&postcount=16
I think badminton players should take a cue from their tennis counter-parts and be there for their pre-match and post-match commitments. I am not in a position to comment whether Lin Dan had a genuine reason for not being present for his press conference but when the IBF is trying to spread the sport around the world, it makes sense for stars to be more accessible to their fans.
Well China did have the last laugh eventually. Beating Lee Chong Wei at the bigger stage and silenced every anti-China badminton fans
Linus, tennis and badminton are still quite far apart in term of media presence, sponsorship, money purse, organization, management, etc. Don’t expect badminton to be like tennis in one area but can’t match up all other area. It takes time.