I'm pretty sure BWF and the sponsors would rather have Chen Long participating than not - his prominent standing now esp after his Rio'16 triumph, his badminton prowess and outstanding accomplishments, eg Olympic gold, twice WC in 2014 and 2015, consistently top 2 world ranking, as well as a whole host of prestigious title wins, will indubitably enhance the SSF as the culmination event of the SuperSeries and help draw in the crowd and attract more viewership.
In fact, not having him would somewhat diminish the high prestige and appeal of the SSF. Just ask BWF, the big-time sponsors and the Dubai organizer itself who spent a considerable amount to outbid other places for the right to host the SSF for three consecutive years. Dubai, as we know, has a reputation of successfully hosting a number of world class high profile sporting events in recent years.
Chen long, I venture to say, had better 'give face' and fulfill his obligation as the reigning World And Olympic Champion to take part in the SSF. I mean Chen long's personal concern that he is not in tip-top condition to do well in the SSF is secondary to the primary objective of the SSF itself.
In fact, not having him would somewhat diminish the high prestige and appeal of the SSF. Just ask BWF, the big-time sponsors and the Dubai organizer itself who spent a considerable amount to outbid other places for the right to host the SSF for three consecutive years. Dubai, as we know, has a reputation of successfully hosting a number of world class high profile sporting events in recent years.
Chen long, I venture to say, had better 'give face' and fulfill his obligation as the reigning World And Olympic Champion to take part in the SSF. I mean Chen long's personal concern that he is not in tip-top condition to do well in the SSF is secondary to the primary objective of the SSF itself.
Last edited: