Covid-hit China badminton team out of Swiss Open

The Chinese team withdrew from the Swiss Open Super 300 event in Basel on Tuesday due to a number of Covid-19 cases and injuries, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) said.

The sport’s governing body added that there were other Covid-related pullouts at the US$180,000 World Tour event.

“The Chinese Badminton Association reported a few positive cases as well as some injuries to players in their team,” the BWF said in a statement.

“Citing concerns to the welfare and safety of all participants at the tournament, Team China have subsequently withdrawn all their players from the Yonex Swiss Open 2022.”

China is a global powerhouse in badminton, having won 10 Thomas Cups (the world men’s team championship), 15 Uber Cups (the world women’s team competition) and 12 Sudirman Cups (a mixed team competition). It is also the most successful country in badminton at the Olympics, with 20 gold medals.

The Swiss Open was due to start later on Tuesday. (Reuters)