China's top badminton player Lin Dan was noticeably absence from
the Indonesia Super Series with an alleged injury, triggering
dismay from the Indonesia badminton association.
A spokeswoman from the Indonesia Badminton Association insisted
that the world number one shuttler enrolled to play in the matches,
but didn't receive word he wouldn't be coming until the day before
the tournament.
"We're sorry to hear that Lin didn't show up as local fans were
looking forward to watching him play," said the unnamed
spokeswoman. "Lin was listed as the top seed in the tournament
entirely because he signed up the match."
There are numerous rumors swirling as to why he withdrew from
the tournament: Injury, out of shape, or avoiding a head-to-head
meeting with arch rival Taufik Hidayat, Indonesia's Olympic
champion, ahead of the Beijing Olympics. "Despite all that, China
didn't explain why the top-rank shuttler quit without proper
reasons, "she added.
The Indonesian team cannot accept Lin's sudden absence and may
decide to take action. The country's head coach said, "Since China
hasn't sent the top shuttler to attend Indonesian matches, we will
not dispatch famed shuttlers like Olympic champion Taufik for next
year's badminton super match in southwest China," he said. "It is a
tradition to respect each other."
An accusation saying that Lin's absence was "premeditated" was
denied by Chinese badminton head coach Li Yongbo. "The 'absence'
was included in our strategic adjustment according to the whole
year's schedule and the shuttler's personal status.
"In addition, there is no need for a top favorite to worry about
his points for the Olympics, even if he gave the Indonesian Super
Series a pass," he added.
Lin's no-show at the tournament may also be a psychological
trick China learned from its rivals. For example, Taufik agreed to
attend a match but to quit before the games began, such as last
year's China Open, and world championships.
(China Daily May 15, 2007)