China’s dominance ‘may make badminton boring’
Posted by valsus on May 18, 2009
GUANGZHOU, China (AFP) — World badminton is in danger of becoming “boring” if China continue to dominate, Malaysia’s team manager said ahead of the Sudirman Cup final between the hosts and South Korea. China, holders of the world team championships trophy, beat Malaysia 3-0 in a one-sided semi-final on Saturday – they have not lost a single match on the way to the final and are strong favourites to retain their crown. “I hope other nations will be able to do more to challenge China, otherwise it will become boring,” Maijol Mahap said immediately after seeing his side flattened by the hosts in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou. “I hope someone can challenge China, it’s good for badminton as a whole.” China has countered suggestions it is damaging the game with its dominance, saying it is prepared to send its coaches abroad to spread the secrets of its success. But asked if he felt China was doing enough to help other countries improve, Mahap said: “So far I haven’t seen that happening.
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