Chen Long and Chinese stars miss badminton tour restart in Thailand

Badminton’s BWF World Tour will resume in Bangkok next month without top Chinese players including reigning Olympic champion Chen Long.

The BWF released the draws for January’s two consecutive Thailand Open tournaments on Tuesday (29 December) and stated, “Chinese Badminton Association has also confirmed the withdrawal of its team from both tournaments.”

According to Thailand’s The Nation, Badminton Association of Thailand president Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul said, “Through an online conference, the Chinese Badminton Association apologised for having to withdraw from the tournaments because of Covid-19 concerns.”

China has seen an uptick on COVID cases in recent weeks and the government is bringing in strict measures – including a travel ban – to avoid a surge during the Spring…