[TABLE] [TR] [TD="class: defaultrow"]Date:[/TD] [TD="class: defaultrow"]Friday, December 5, 2014[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD="class: defaultrow"]Week:[/TD] [TD="class: defaultrow"]49[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD="class: defaultrow"]Category:[/TD] [TD="class: defaultrow"]Exhibition tournament[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD="class: defaultrow"]City:[/TD] [TD="class: defaultrow"]Bangkok[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD="class: defaultrow"]Country:[/TD] [TD="class: defaultrow"]THA[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD="class: defaultrow"]Updated date:[/TD] [TD="class: defaultrow"]10/7/2014[/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE]
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/sports/Lee-to-play-Kings-birthday-tournament-30248349.html Embattled world No 1 Lee Jong Wei of Malaysia has dispelled fears he might skip the Badminton Thai Glory to the King tournament on December 5, yesterday confirming his participation in the exhibition event against arch-rival Lin Dan of China. Lee assured media gathered at Bangkok's Banyan Tree hotel that he would take part in next month's showdown at the Hua Mark Indoor Stadium, being staged to celebrate his Majesty the King's 87th birthday. The two-time Olympic silver medallist tested positive for dexamethasone from urine samples taken during the World Championships in August, prompting the Badminton World Federation to suspend him from BWF events. "It's an honour for me to participate in the Badminton Thai Glory to the King tournament. I have been training hard for this special event," said the Malaysian, who lost the last two Olympics finals to Lin. "I cannot speak about the test result as there has yet to be a final hearing from the BWF. Right now I just have to focus on my training and stay in good physical condition," added the 32-year-old. Organisers emphasised that Lee was eligible to play the event, which is not BWF-sanctioned. Granular Club players including doubles specialist Bodin Issara and Pakkawat Wilailuck will also take apart in the tournament, which will be televised on Channel 3, 32, 42 and Thairath TV from 1pm-3pm on December 5. World badminton 'disgraced' Former Olympic champion Taufik Hidayat warned other badminton players to take extra care over their diet and supplements after world No 1 Lee's positive test. The retired Indonesian said Malaysia's Lee probably took the banned anti-inflammatory dexamethasone by mistake, but that he should still have been aware of what was going into his body. "I just can't believe it until now. I'm not sure that he did it in purpose. Maybe there was a mistake when he was still receiving medication for his injury," Taufik said, according to the Jakarta Globe. "A world-class player like Chong Wei should have known what he consumed, what went into his body. And BAM [Badminton Association of Malaysia] is a professional body that carefully looks after its players." Lee, 32, is temporarily barred from competition after testing positive during the world championships. He could face an eventual suspension of up to two years. "Athletes must be aware of many things, not only their daily training. They should know what they eat, what they drink," said Hidayat, who quit the sport last year. "Once athletes take doping, there goes their name and achievements." He added: "This case is a disgrace to world badminton. It's just too bad if it's true."
Players taking part: Men Singles: Lee Chong wei , Lin dan , Taufik Ponsana. Men Doubles: Boe/Morgensen, Hendra/Ahsan, and Thai pair Mix double: Ahmad /liliyana , Vialilak/isara
Bodin's ban has just ended a few weeks ago I think If I'm not mistaken he had jus taken part in an international challenge hosted by granular here in bangkok recently
By the way this event is quite interesting to look forward to I couldn't help but surprise by the fact that the event itself is not widely recognize internationally I mean , Lin dan and Lee chong wei to face one another with Taufik as a umpire! How exciting might that be? If only Gade decided to join the party this might as well be somewhat like a reunion of the 4 kings
Yes, bro .. i agree with u , how nice if can get Peter Gade back .. Ladies single should also invite his wife xie xinfang play Camila Martin!
Thanks, Ferrerkiko, I found out you've opened a thread for this only after posting this piece of news in LCW's thread. Not sure how far Lin Dan would have recovered from his knee injury but as this event is only an exhibition match, he'll feel honoured and happy just to be there to do his part for the Thai King and enjoy himself as well. Hope to catch it on livestream, if available. I'm looking forward to it.
Hm, I understand it's not sanctioned since it's not a tournament, but it is still listed on the BWF Website and LCW would still be able to play? Interesting.
This is BWF sanctioned. (Which is why it is on BWF's website). According to the emails exchanged between the organizer and BWF, LCW is not allowed to play. He is allowed to show up and do trick shots but cannot compete in any other way. BWF advises against this though since if he ends up breaking his Provisional Suspension, he may be subject to more discipline. Thai Badminton is pushing to have LCW show up still though, but not compete.
This is from the organizer: And there were some exchange emails posted between him and the BWF as well.
Anyway, hope there's livestream for us on playing days. Kindly post the link(s) here, if available, thanks in advance.
If the news of Lee Chong wei not playing is true will be sad, as most fans wanted to watch him play Lin dan .
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/sports/446547/thai-chief-backs-lee-ban Thai chief backs Lee ban World No.1 Lee Chong Wei should not play at the planned exhibition match in Bangkok, Thai badminton chief Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul said yesterday The Malaysian is scheduled to play long-time rival Lin Dan of China as part of the celebration of His Majesty the King's birthday on Friday. However, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) has said Lee... .
I understand their frustration and that they would lose a lot of $. But there is nothing they can do nor BWF can do. If LCW shows up, and is found to have broken the rules then he might as well say goodbye to the sport for a while. It is way too risky on LCW. Who knows how long his suspension for doping may be, but if he ends up playing a match, then he will for sure be suspended for quite a while. This is not something to take lightly.
Chong Wei only allowed to show skills at Thai tournament http://www.malaysia-chronicle.com/i...lls-at-thai-tournament&Itemid=4#axzz3KxMSOgKT
