Saturday, 23 Nov 2024

BWF News

The MetLife BWF World Superseries circuit is now halfway through, and anticipation is building for the BWF Destination Dubai World Superseries Finals at the end of the year. As players gear up for the BCA Indonesia Open 2014 Superseries Premier, the seventh event in the series, they are hoping to secure their spots for the lucrative Dubai finale.

Excitement is in the air as China’s Mixed Doubles stars, Zhang Nan and Zhao Yunlei (above), winners of the Yonex Open Japan, look forward to playing in Dubai for the first time. They see it as an opportunity to introduce and promote badminton in a new location, believing that this venture can spark interest in the sport among the people of Dubai.

Dubai, known for hosting world-class sporting events, is expected to embrace badminton with the arrival of the World Superseries Finals. Lee Chong Wei, the reigning World No.1 Men’s Singles player, is optimistic about the upcoming showdown, which will feature the top eight players in each category from the World Superseries season.

The two-time defending Women’s Singles champion, Li Xuerui from China, is determined to secure a hat-trick of titles and etch her name in the record books as the first-ever winner of the Women’s Singles category in the Destination Dubai spectacle. Li Xuerui is excited to play badminton in a new place like Dubai but acknowledges that qualifying for the year-end event is a challenge she must overcome.

Tham Khảo Thêm:  BWF News

Saina Nehwal, an Indian player currently outside the top-eight BWF Destination Dubai Rankings, is hoping for her lucky tournament at the Indonesia Open Superseries Premier. This tournament holds a special place in Nehwal’s heart, as she has achieved tremendous success at the famed Istora Senayan stadium in Jakarta. Although Nehwal has faced challenges recently, her improved performance at the Uber Cup last month gives her hope of a strong showing at the Indonesia Open and a chance to contend for major titles.

The competition at the Indonesia Open is fierce, with powerhouses China fielding top contenders like Li Xuerui, Wang Shixian, and Wang Yihan, as well as promising young players like Yu Sun and Han Li. Li Xuerui, fresh off her victory at the Yonex Open Japan, is the favorite to defend her title in Indonesia.

The Men’s Singles category also boasts a strong field, with defending champion Lee Chong Wei leading the pack. However, he faces a tough first-round opponent in 2008 champion and local star Sony Dwi Kuncoro. While Lee’s long-time rival Lin Dan from China will not be participating, other Chinese players like Chen Long and Du Pengyu are expected to make a strong showing. Other players to watch out for include Kenichi Tago and Kento Momota from Japan, Jan O Jorgensen from Denmark, and Tommy Sugiarto from Indonesia.

STAR WATCH:

  • In Women’s Doubles, China’s Yu Yang makes a comeback after her last appearance at the India Open Superseries in April. Yu, teamed up with Wang Xiaoli (right), is expected to pose a strong challenge to top seeds Bao Yixin/Tang Jinhua and Olympic champions Tian Qing/Zhao Yunlei. The competition will be fierce, with pairs like Misaki Matsutomo/Ayaka Takahashi from Japan and Christinna Pedersen/Kamilla Rytter Juhl from Denmark also vying for the title.

  • Defending Men’s Doubles champions Mohammad Ahsan and Hendra Setiawan from Indonesia will be seeking revenge on home turf against Korea’s Lee Yong Dae and Yoo Yeon Seong, who defeated them at the Yonex Open Japan. Ahsan and Setiawan are in different halves of the draw and are expected to meet in the final. Lee’s remarkable comeback after a three-month international exile adds to the drama of this potential showdown.

  • Indonesian Mixed Doubles star Liliyana Natsir (featured image) last won a home title in 2005 and hopes to repeat that feat with partner Tontowi Ahmad. However, their first-round opponents, Michael Fuchs and Birgit Michels of Germany, runners-up at the Yonex Open Japan, will provide a tough challenge. Defending champions Zhang Nan and Zhao Yunlei will face their biggest test in the semi-finals against Joachim Fischer Nielsen and Christinna Pedersen from Denmark. Ahmad and Natsir might have to contend with China’s Xu Chen and Ma Jin (3) at the same stage.

Tham Khảo Thêm:  Badminton Pan America

FAQs

1. What is the BWF Destination Dubai World Superseries Finals?
The BWF Destination Dubai World Superseries Finals is the year-end tournament that features the top eight players in each category from the World Superseries season. It is held in Dubai and offers a lucrative prize pool.

2. Who are the favorites to win the Women’s Singles category at the Indonesia Open?
China’s Li Xuerui, the two-time defending champion, is the favorite to win the Women’s Singles category at the Indonesia Open. She is in excellent form and recently won the Yonex Open Japan.

3. Can Saina Nehwal make it to the BWF Destination Dubai World Superseries Finals?
Saina Nehwal faces an uphill battle to qualify for the BWF Destination Dubai World Superseries Finals as she is currently outside the top eight in the rankings. However, a strong performance at the Indonesia Open can improve her chances.

Conclusion

The BCA Indonesia Open 2014 Superseries Premier is a crucial event for players who are aiming to qualify for the BWF Destination Dubai World Superseries Finals. Badminton stars from around the world are excited about the opportunity to play in Dubai and promote the sport to a new audience. The competition at the Indonesia Open is fierce, with top players vying for titles and valuable ranking points. As the circuit reaches its halfway mark, the stage is set for thrilling badminton action in Jakarta. Stay tuned for all the updates from the World Superseries circuit.