It seems that logic and sense are somewhat lacking in some posts.
In this particular case, LD was authorized by the Tournament organizers to withdraw on Malaysian medical opinions. No matter what rules you propose, short of a machine rendered opinion, LD's withdrawal was legitimate and would not have been penalized under any rules, or be compelled to play in the tournament.
This WO taken in isolation would be a non-event. The problem is that it has become a pattern of behaviour with the Chinese team. As admitted by the 'evil' LYB in the past.
Also, it's a laugh to say that pro players can make their own decisions. Yeah, they might be free from their associations. Even then, don't forget that particiation in events like Asian Games and Olympic Games will always be controlled by the associations.
Yes pro players can and do make their own decisions. Don't forget the Chinese players are not professional. Again I offer the contrast of Tennis and the behaviour of players such as Federer or Nadal.
Even being pros, players still must answer to their sponsors. There is no lack of cases where players were coerced to particiapte in events by their sponsors, to the detriment of their health. It wouldn't surprise me if pro players are asked to give up certain events, if need be, to guarantee participation and performance at events where their sponsors have key interest.
Technically speaking LD's major sponsor, Li Ning is not his sponsor but rather sponsers the entire Chinese team. I doubt he has to answer to any sponsor directly. Your last sentance is pure speculation but, giving you the benifit of the doubt on this point, there is a big difference between giving an event a miss (such as Peter Gade in this case) and entering it only to throw a match. You are not influencing the draw by staying home.
Even on a persoanl level, imagine that as if LD is totally free to make his own decision. Why would he risk aggregating an injury for a MO title at the expense of Olympic glory that can mean millions for years? Campared to a gold medal at London 2012, even the giant prize at KO is insignificant.
Why wasn't that a concern of his until he ended up in a draw against CL? But as a player of a few sports at a competive level, I'll give you a reason.... Competitive spirit. Real atheletes have a very big drive to compete and to win. If you think that worrying about his condition for the 2012 OG played any part in his decision to WO in this event you have a very weak grasp of reality. Logically if that was his concern, why would he even enter the event?
LD walked in China, in Hong Kong. His walk at MO is no more offensive than his walk on home soil.
You mean it is no less offensive. Like I said, it's a pattern of behaviour.
Just to be clear, I am not advocating that players can be disrespectful to any event. I am just as disappointed, but perhaps not as angry, as the next person for not seeing the showdown between LD and LCW. But, please think calmly for a moment:
(1) It is far from conclusive that LD acted in malice. In fact, the official, MO offical, not CBA/LYB/LD's mom, opinion was that he wasn't.
It is just as far from inconclusive. You are putting too much faith in the opinion of an MO offical. First off you don't know what the MO official's real opinion is. Even if they don't think the injury is legit what the heck can they do about it? Why would they stir up controversy. I can walk into the doctors office and tell him I have a pain in my abdomen. What is he going to say? "No you don't"?? I'll tell you what he will say, he'll say "get some rest and come back if it doesn't get better in a week or two"
(2) before blaming the badmintion organizations or political systems, be aware that a personal, commercial decision made free of polictical influence may result in the same outcome.
Again more speculation but your speculation doesn't stand up to practice. Getting tired of repeating myself on this but if you look at the sport of tennis where you have professional players competing as professionals you do not have this kind of thing going on routinely.
Now, if anyone has any clever idea to scientifically approve or disapprove a player's withdrawal, keep them coming. It helps to test your ideas on, say, LD's withdrwals at CO, HKO, and MO to see if it can produce any meaningful results.
Scientific evidence. Ok first you need to PUT DOWN THE CRACK PIPE. This is a discussion forum not a court room of any kind. Also nobody is submitting anything for peer review. Ironically, as a Scientist, I could do a statistical study of WOs given by the Chinese team and show that they are not a random event. PM me if you want to commision a report.
Don't forget, LD is a millionaire and sponsored by LiNing
I bribed my doctor to skip college classes before, and i am sure some of you here had done it before