Taking part in 19 tourneys this year, freaks me out, says Lee Chong Wei

The World Badminton Federation has made it mandatory for all the top 15 singles and top 10 doubles shuttlers to play minimum of 12 tournaments.

World No. 2 Lee Chong Wei said that the world body should not force shuttlers to play.

Lee even met BWF president Poul-Erik Hoyer and Secretary General Thomas Lund, urging a change on behalf of all the top players.

Chong Wei said, “My calendar for this year freaks me out. I’ll probably be taking part in 19 tournaments. I’ve never taken part in more than 15, even during my junior days!”

Under the world body’s new tournament rule this year, the top 15 men’s singles shuttlers will have to play in all three tournaments under Level Two - the All-England, Indonesian Open and China Open.

They also have to play in five Level Three tournaments - Malaysian Open, China Open, Denmark Open, France Open and Japan Open - and an additional four in Level Four.

“We have to play in a total of 12 tournaments or be penalised. Players also have obligations to play in other major tournaments like the Thomas Cup Finals and its qualifiers, Commonwealth Games, World Championships, Asian Championships, Asian Badminton Championships and the World Superseries Finals.

“How can a top player cope? If the world body persist, the top players will not be able to give their best. They’ll be eventually burnt out. And there’s risk of injury too,” he added.

“I met president Poul-Erik and Thomas during the Superseries Finals in Dubai (last month). They were players before. They understand a player cannot be pushed like this. They’ll review,” said Chong Wei.

While, Datuk Ng Chin Chai, the Badminton Association of Malaysia secretary has also raised the concern and sent an official letter to the BWF to review the tournament calendar for the top players.