BWF left in a pickle following German Open cancellation

The Badminton World Federation (BWF) are hard pressed to quickly come up with an alternative following the cancellation of the German Open (March 9-14), as shuttlers are left in a lurch for Olympics qualifying points.

With that event called off due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the status of the Swiss Open (March 2-7) and All-England Championships (March 16-21) hangs in the balance, even though no official announcement has been made yet.

World number 11 men’s doubles shuttler Tan Wee Kiong urged the world body to make a decision as soon as possible.

“(Goh) V Shem and I have made arrangements to compete in all three tournaments, now with the cancellation of the German Open, we are short of one Olympics qualifier.

“It’s tough for independent players in terms of finance. We know it’s hard for BWF to make a decision but they really need to act quickly,” he told The Star.

The BWF in response said they are working with the International Olympic Committee to finalise the Tokyo 2020 qualification system, but the world body are against time to make a decision.

While the European shuttlers do not have to worry too much about the logistical aspects of these events, the Asian representatives would need to get an affirmative before they go ahead with preparations.

The quarantine restrictions in Asia are also much more stringent compared to Europe, so the world body must take that into account when they make a decision with the events slated to begin in less than three weeks.