Badminton: Derek Wong through to main draw of Li—Ning Singapore Open

SINGAPORE: Singapore’s top male shuttler Derek Wong is through to the main draw of the Li—Ning Singapore Open.

This is after organisers were informed last week’s that Indonesian Open winner Simon Santoso had pulled out of the competition, opening the way for Singapore’s world Number 47 shuttler to get into the main draw.

Despite several withdrawals, the men’s competition is still packed with top—class competitors.

Santoso’s more experienced compatriots like former world number one and Olympic champion Taufik Hidayat and Sony Dwi Kuncoro are in the fray for the US$200,000 prize.

China has also sent their next wave of superstars to the competition like Indonesian Open finalist Du Pengyu.

And while organisers are disappointed with some of the withdrawals, the Chinese are looking at this as an ideal opportunity to gain valuable experience ahead of the Olympics.

Superseries marketing manager S. Selvam said: "We always like to see a few competitions. But we also understand that players are tired, players have got priorities. We still believe very strongly that there are good players, quality players here at the Singapore Open. With the Olympics, there are many strong opponents who have chosen to come here. So we feel this is a great opportunity."

— CNA/ck