Indonesian Olympic badminton champion Taufik Hidayat criticized the Badminton World Federation (BWF) for allowing China’s Lin Dan to pull out of the final at the Singapore Open Super Series last week, thereby conceding victory to countryman Chen Jin. The 2004 Olympic champion suggested the withdrawal was a strategy to improve the ranking of Chen Jin in order to secure a more favorable seeding at the 2012 Olympics.
“It was the fault of the BWF. This is not the first time, but has frequently occurred, especially if Chinese players face other Chinese competitors,” Taufik told the Antara news wire after a training session at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on Monday.
“During the [2008] All England, Lin Dan entered the court with his feet bandaged, but in Switzerland one week later he become the champion,” said Taufik.
The 27-year-old had been due to play countryman Chen Jin in the final, but pulled out after being diagnosed with gastroenteritis by the tournament’s doctor.
It is not my time anymore. It’s time for the younger players. I have had a feeling since I played in All England, India and Singapore that I might only try my best to reach the Olympics,” said Taufik, who was defeated by Malaysian Lee Chong Wei during the final last year.
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