Angry Lin hits out at BWF over worlds final row
Print Edition
China’s Lin Dan took a swipe at badminton’s global governing body after his record fifth world title win was hit by controversy, just a year after a scandal at the London Olympics.
In a rare interview, “Super Dan” questioned whether the Badminton World Federation understood players’ needs after the body investigated the apparent failure of the air-conditioning during his victory over world No. 1 Lee Chong Wei.
Witnesses at this month’s worlds final in Guangzhou, said the stadium air-conditioning, which had been affecting players at one end of the court, went off at the start of the second game, when Lin switched to the breezy side. Lin, who lost the first game, won the second to tie the match and, with temperatures soaring in the decider, took the title when Lee was stretchered off with cramps when facing match point.
Lee’s coach, Tey Seu Bock, blamed the lack of air-conditioning for the cramps and retirement, adding that the player could hardly breathe in the stifling conditions. Chinese officials denied turning off the cooling system.
But Lin said conditions were the same for both players.
“First, you don’t need to ask me about that because when I’m on the court, I’m not aware of anything,” Lin said via email.
“Second, I think the conditions were equal. Third, and most important, if the air-conditioning is switched off, then I hope it was because it would bring out a higher level of competition from the players.”
He added: “Many people, including those from the BWF, don’t really understand what the main problems in badminton are, and what it most needs, because many officials are not competitors.
“The biggest problem for badminton is wind direction and lighting. If those problems are not solved, it seriously impacts players’ performances. If a high-level player’s performance is affected by these factors, they suffer setbacks and cannot be fully satisfied on the court.
“The ones suffering are not just the players, but also the fans and audience.”
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