This week produced some bad news for the French fans who have become accustomed to seeing the very best players as part of the annual Yonex Internationaux de France. On October 5th, the French Federation received the withdrawal of top seed Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia. Taufik Hidayat, Lin Dan, Chen Jin and Chen Long will be amongst the other big names missing while Zhang Nan and Zhao Yunlei will be the sole Olympic gold medallists to enter the event, which will be held from October 23rd to 28th. There will be, however, plenty to cheer about for the home crowd, who will get to say goodbye to two of their favourite players: Pi Hongyan, who is officially retiring, and Peter Gade, who will make a very last appearance in the Pierre de Coubertin Stadium.
Here are the entry seedings for the event
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It is a pity that there is a long list of withdrawal from this prestigious Yonex Internationaux de France . Im very sure the French badminton fans will be greatly disappointed . It would be a very befitting swan song appearance for the french “darling ” of badminton Pi Hong Yan to put up a sterling performance and wrest the WS title. However, despite the withdrawals, there will plenty of high packed action and exciting matches to watch. All the best to the Yonex Internationaux de France. I will not be able to be in Paris to catch up with the action. A bien tot !
Who cares…..this is not Roland Garros. Since when the French has such love for badminton, the sport that’s dominated by the Chinese.
Badminton in France is growing well. There are many young and not as young people joining badminton everyday. People just enjoy the sport and they love to come watching the elites playing. You will be surprised to see how many people are actually playing badminton in France. It is thanked to the effort of all the badminton lovers who helped and/or are helping to develop such a great sport in all level: school, community … It does not matter which country is dominating. The love for the sport will always be there.
I don’t think that domination is relevant. By all accounts, the French put on a good show and draw very appreciative crowds to watch the titles being won by players from China, Malaysia, Denmark, Indonesia, or wherever. Hosting tournaments in strong badminton nations doesn’t guarantee you won’t be able to hear a pin drop during a match between two visiting athletes or that you won’t lose a quarter of your spectators before a Lin Dan vs. Lee Chong Wei final.