Goh Liu Ying believes it is not safe for professional badminton to resume in September and will consider skipping some tournaments this year due to the lingering threat of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Badminton World Federation (BWF) recently confirmed top-tier events to resume from September onwards, six months after the All-England Championships was the last competition staged.

The mixed doubles specialist expressed her doubt on the restart timing for obvious reasons, adding it would be best if badminton only resumes early next year.

“BWF wants to restart in September, but I don't think it’s possible. For me, it’s still a big health risk. Next year would be better, if not November or December at the earliest.

“The situation in Malaysia may be better now, but in the USA and Europe it still cannot be contained. We will not be playing for Olympic points this year, so we might skip a few tournaments. We have yet to plan out the details,” Goh told Stadium Astro.

First day ??. 跌跌撞撞的第一天??. . . Trying so hard to balance my self,sigh?. . #gohliuying

A post shared by Goh Liu Ying OLY 吴柳莹 (@gohliuying) on



Like every shuttler on the World Tour circuit, the world number seven said she was in the dark on the regulations for top players to feature in a minimum of 12 priority tournaments in a season, or risk getting penalised.

“In September itself there are four events. And how about the Super 750 and Super 1000 events? Is it compulsory for the top 10 players? I understand BWF are in a tough position to make a quick decision because there are sponsors obligations and different regulations in each country.

“But we are hoping they can come up with a plan, because we have to plan our schedule which involves our sponsors and budget. As for now, we still have time, as the deadline to register for the Chinese Taipei Open (September 1-6) is on July 28,” she said.

Goh and her partner Chan Peng Soon are also slated to join the national body for centralised training to prepare for the Tokyo Olympics, even though they have yet to get an official confirmation.

Nonetheless, the Olympic silver medalist is looking forward to sparring with more female shuttlers.

“I only have Lim Chiew Sien to spar now, but she plays in the women’s doubles. Besides that, it’s only with the male shuttlers. Male players are faster but their rhythm is different.

“So while I get to improve on my speed and power, it is a different feel during competitions,” she added.