The international badminton does stop with the end of the Super series. The best players pursue the international circuit with the Super series, since the 14th September in China. The badminton stars will come back in Paris from 2nd to 7th November 2010 for the Yonex French Super Series. 

Join us and support the seeded 2 Peter Gade and all the French players with Hongyan Pi as a team leader, who reached the quarter-finals here in Coubertin, and who do her best to perform in Coubertin Hall.

If you liked the Yonex BWF World Championships ? Come and join us, you will support these champions who do anything to add another title at their record, especially from one of the most famous tournament of the circuit.

For more informations and to book your tickets, you can go on the website : www.ifbyonex.com

This is the end of the Yonex BWF World Championships and they were put under the spotlights yesterday evening. More than 200people were present and helped for the organization of these Yonex World Championships. A party was organized at the Volunteers Center. Launched right after the end of the matches, the party allowed the mix of the various populations of volunteers who were involved in various tasks and never really managed to socialize during the all week. Grateful for the work done, The Chairman of the International Badminton Federation, Dr Kang Young Joong thanked – himself - the volunteers : “I am delighted by what you have accomplished for these Yonew BWF World Championships. Everything went smoothly.” At the end of the speech, the party started and ended early this morning. The volunteers left happily with a t-shirt of these Yonex BWF World Championships made especially for them “I was there”, and the certificate justifying of the time they gave to make these Championships unforgettable. “Thank you!!”

The Yonex BWF World championships concluded on Sunday on a last amazing match against the two best men's doubles pair in the whole world. Like the whole successful week, this last day of competition decided the world titles in the 5 events to the best athletes on earth. And one must admit that the official language on planet badminton is Chinese.

Starting by the Mixed doubles opposing n°8 seeds Bo Zheng and Ma Jin to their fellow citizens n°6 seed Yu Yang and He Hanbin, the competition was about to crown its first champions. Impressive through the all week Bo Zheng and Ma Jin left nothing to their opponents and won 21/14 21/10.

Then, under the fully packed stadium's applause, the two men's singles finalists stepped on court. Chen Jin, number 4 seed and winner of Peter Gade yesterday and Taufik Hidayat dreaming of a second world title, 5 years after the first one. The impressive defensive skills of the of his opponent were too much for the Indonesian who bowed to the Chinese, as did Peter Gade, committing to many errors to clinch the title. Chen Jin clinched the second Chinese gold medal, winning 21/13 21/15.

The two Wangs fought in a whole Chinese affair for the women's singles title. After conceding the first game 21/11, Xin Wang pocket the second 21/19. Favourite after her impressive way to the final the world number 3 could match her opponent's game. And the world number 6 eventually won her first major title after an easy decider, 21/13.

Same scenario in women's doubles. Another 100% Chinese encounter saw the world n°2 Jing Du and Yang Yu taking on Jin Ma and Xiaoli Wang (number 1 seed). After losing the mixed doubles, Yu Yang was eager for revenge. She met the challenge in a quick win, 21/9 21/17 

The day ended on the  most anticipated encounter between the number 1 seed from Malaysia Koo Kien Keat / Tan Boon Heong and the reigning world champions Yun Cai and Haifeng Fu from China. The match lived up to the expectations of the fans. The first game was pocketed by the world number one 21/18. Chinese fought back to win the second 21/18. They speeded up in the decider to eventually win 21/14 for their 3rd world title in front of a roaring crowd.

The Chinese delegation made an incredible exploit : to bring back the five titles home and it can be confident for the forecoming Asian Games in November.

The international circuit carries on for the best badminton players so “rendez-vous” on November 2nd to 7th for the Yonex IFB Super Series 2010.

Today on the court

Will the Chinese succeed in killing five birds with one stone ?

With three 100% Chinese finals , only Men's singles titel and Men's doubles title can fall out of Chinese's basket.

The Indonesian Taufik Hidayat, seeded n°5, will face the Chinese, Jin Chen, seeded n°4 in a high level final. Indeed, in the previous round Chen beat the seed n°2, and great favourite of the public, Peter Gade. Hidayat managed to kick out of the draw, the top seed n°1, Lee Chong Wei, in the quarter finals. Advantage to Jin Chen who wins 2 out of their 3 encounters.

In men's doubles, Kien Keat Koo and Boon Heong Tan, top seeded n°1, might play the underdog against Yun Cai and Haifend Fu. The Chinese pair dominated the Indonesian one, 5 out of their 8 encounters.

As already mentioned, for the women's doubles draw, the world ranking was the rule. The tops seeded Ma Jin and Xiaoli Wang will face the seeded 2 Jin Du and Yang Yu, who won 4 out of their last 5 encounters, moreover Ma Jin and Xiaoli Wang had a tough semi-final and spent more than one hour on the court. For the women's singles and the mixed doubles draws, the victory will depend on the good shape of the players.

In any case, China will clinch at least three World champions titles in these finals.

Surprisingly defeated in the quarterfinals, Lee Chong Wei and Lin Dan left the Men's singles draw open for the underdogs.

Favourite and supported by the whole arena, Peter Gade took on Jin Chen, number 4 seed. The young Chinese shuttler, usually under Lin Dan's shadow started slowly against a Peter Gade showing his best badminton. He lost the first game to the Dane 21/19. But Peter Gade was not supposed to be world champion this year. Despite a rather easy draw, the tired Dane had to bow in the second game quickly won by Chen Jin 21/8. Fighting as hard as he could the Dane had to stepped down 21/8 in the decider. The badminton legend left the court after a standing ovation of the fully packed arena. He admitted he was not able to handle the pace of the game during 3 games.

For the second match, Taufik Hidayat from Indonesia entered on court with Coubertin's fan support to face the winner of Lin Dan, Sung Hwan Park, number 13 seed from Korea. As he did yesterday, he took an early 11/6 lead to clinch the first game 21/10. the Korean speed up in the second game and troubled the 2005 world champion, leading 17/19 and 18/20. However, Taufik Hidayat, helped by the net (or by his legendary net play) fought back and won 22/20. Thankful to the French spectators, the Indonesian shuttler booked his ticket to the final for a much anticipated encounter against Chen Jin for this totally new world championship final.

Read more: focus : men's singles

Peter Gade claimed it « From the quarterfinals, only the best players are still here ». It's getting physically harder and harder for the remaining shuttlers as some of them spent more than 5 hours on court. And yet, some of them want more...especially for some girls. They're still playing in two events. As an example, Yu Chien Chien from Taipei who's faced Yang Yu from China in mixed doubles and women's doubles on the same day.

Read more: Focus : Mixed doubles

Being a believer and a high level athlete :

In the religion of Islam, the Ramadan, is as fasting period of 40 days and one of the 5 pillars of the religion. During his life a true believer must respect these pillars. But how do you follow the principles of your religion if you are a high level athlete and you are attending the Yonex World Championships during this period ?

Read more: Interview : Taufik Hidayat

You just came back from the Youth Olympic Games, which were held in Singapore. What was your mandate and your missions ?

 I work with the IOC, I have been a consultant for the Youth Olympic Games for 2 years. I was working on the catering, the volunteers, the human resources and the housing. I was in Singapore to coordinate the program of the observers from the IOC, so we had people coming from Insbrück (location of the next Youth Olympic Games), from Nanjing (Games in 2014), we had people coming from London, Rio and Socchi, around 64 people to whom you had to present and explain all the organisation and coordinate the « debrief strategy. »

 What is the « debrief strategy » ?

 It was the first edition of the Youth Olympic Games, the IOC wanted to see the impact to know how to develop the concept.

 Can you tell us more about the Youth Olympic Games

 We really came back to the original Olympic values. We talked a lot about respect, excellence and friendship. But we made some change in the format : 3x3 in basketball, relay for male and female in swimming, triathlon with relay by nationality, all these are real innovations in “Olympism”.

How is this possible ?

 Several Nation Olympic Committees met and tried to work together.

Are there others innovations ?

 From a cultural and educational point of view, there were a lot of activities offered to the young athletes : training around the career of an athlete, dietetics and interviews with other athletes of reference.

 What is the concept « athlete of reference »?

 Prestigious athletes came to discuss and exchange about the daily experience of an high level athlete life. We had Sergei Bubka, Elena Isinbayeva, Alexander Popov, Nelson Kipketer, with chat sessions » (NDLR : face to face with a champion), for the French we had Marie Josée Pérec, Jean Philippe Gatien, Frédérique Magnier, Jackson Richardson et Antoine Deneriaz.

There were several levels : some athletes from the Commission of the Athletes of the IOC (chaired by Frankie Frederiks) with Bubka and Frederiks, for the badminton Pedro Yang and the International federation brought their own champions. All came to share with the young about their sport.

 All these young athletes had, through these Youth Olympic Games, a first taste of « living together » so they won't be disturbed on the next Games.

What was the coverage by the media of this event ?

 The press and the media were present. 166 contracts with various distributors, the media coverage was rather important on the 15 days, globally it is a success. Surprising success, a lot of people came but were sceptic et when they left they were convinced. .

 You arrived yesterday...

 Yes, I arrived at 6.30 am, and at 9 sharp I had a meeting with the BWF for the IBF 2011 - 2013

 You are not jet-lagged ?

 No, you get used to. And you can't complain when you are associated with this kind of event.

 One world on these Championships

 We really improve, it comes as an accomplishment of three years of work, around the professionalization of the IBF.

 Precisely, the Yonex IBF Super Series have benn organised in Courbertin since three years, how do you perceive the evolution ?

 So I change my hat, now I am talking for Keneo (ndlr : Keneo is a consultant agency helping the French national federation for the IBF and the Yonex WBF World Championships). It was a long-drawn-out a job. Little by little we reach a level of professionalism with a different setting, different management and logistics arrangements, an animation, etc..
But the curb of training was fast. This year, we clearly reached a higher dimension. We had the chance or the misfortune to organize the Yonex World Championships in the same location as the IBF, but everybody understood that we need to make the difference the IBF and this Yonex World Championships.

 And what do you think about the matches of these World Championships...

 Yesterday It was fantastic. The defeat of Lin Dan was a great surprise, it's been a long time since he lost in a big tournament . Lin Chong Wei defeated by Taufik in an amazing match opened these Yonex World Championships for the men's single draw : the two big favourites of the public, and still present, are Peter Gade and Taufik Hidayat.
It is great to have Peter, who represents Europe at the top level. And I hope that he is doing something against Chen (NDLR : Peter Gade lost his match in 3 sets). The level is incredible, the players are very well prepared, it is clear. We reached a peak of the season, we can see amazing levels of game.

And the players seem to love playing in the hall Coubertin, they found the ambience and the public great. You have to recognize this, the public is very generous. The French public is one of the best public, even the players and the coaches said so. They all come, numerous, passionate and connoisseurs

Read more: Interview : Etienne Thobois

After a full day of surprises, Saturday will be an intense day as well with the best 32 players, separated from a World title by 2 victories.

After the surprises in the men's single draw, we will see 2 semi-finals out of these 4 players, only Taufik Hidayat has already been World Champion. Hidayat will face the Korean who beat Lin Dan, Sung Hwan Park (No.13). The seeded n°4 Chen Jin (CHN) and the Dane Peter Gade (No.2) will meet in a very promissing match.

In teh Women's single draw, Tine Baun, last representative of the European continent in her draw, will have a difficult match against Wang Lin (No.7) who avenged the other Chinese (Wang Yihan) in defeating the Japanese Eriko Hirose. The other semi-final will see the two other Wang fighting for the final  ; the No.3 Xin Wang, who defeated Hongyan Pi, and the No.6 Shixian Wang, who won easily against the Indian Saina Nehwal (N°2).

In the men's double draw, there will be huge battles between the Malaysians No.1 Koo/Tan and the Chinese No.4 Guo/Xu. The women's doubles will be tight with the 4 tops seeds and seeds, everything is still possible.

Read more: tomorrow on the courts

Big clash of this fifth day of the Yonex BWF World Championships, Taufik Hidayat faced Lee Chong Wei at the beginning of this afternoon. During their last encounter, the Malaysian won in Indonesia, and out of 15 matches, Taufik only won 6 times.

After the first rallies the Indonesian took the advantage. Leading 11/7 before the break, Taufik is impressive and made a succession of winning smashes against a Lee Chong Wei who is standing back. The opener is logically for the Indonesian. But during the second game, The Malaysian showed that he is not the top seed n°1 for nothing, he won easily 21/11. The match is now a high level battle with impressive rallies close to the net. 11/10 for Hidayat then 12/12, the two champions paid each one back. But hen again the genius and gifted Indonesian marked 9 point in a row , and took the last game 21/12.

This was the second big surprise of the day, Lee Chong Wei, No.; one of the favourite, will not get a medal at these Yonex BWF World Championships 2010. At the end of the match, Hidayat radiant explained : « We know each other very well, we like each other, but last time we played together he defeated me. Today, it is my revenge. And i really thank the public for its support. »

At the same time on the next court, it was Lin Dan, seeded No.2 who faced the Korean Sung Hwan Park. If on the paper, the Chinese champion, three times World Champions, is the great favourite for the gold medal, he should be careful with his opponent, who out of 14 encounters won 4 times. When you know that the Chinese only lost 50 out of 383 matches during his all career, that is not a simple fact.

Park started the game with an aggressive game, against a Lin Dan not really present. He took the advantage 11/8 then 13/9. Lin Dan speeded up, but the defence of Park was good, good enough to win the opener 21/13.Not really in the game during this first game, Lin Dan tried to react at the beginning of the second game, without success. At the break the score was : 11/8 for Park.. Exhilarating, Th e Korean pursued his pressure on the Chinese to lead 14/9 and 20/9. Despite the last attempt of the Chinese, Sung Hwan Park won the match, overjoyed and throwing his armband to the public.

The expected semi final will not take place, the top seed No.1 and the three times World Champion will leave Paris without a medal. Now Taukif Hidayat and Peter Gade, who qualified a few hours later, have a free hand.

Read more: focus : men's singles

11 am this morning : the first two games of the day were the mixed doubles opposing the Indians Diju/Gutta to the Koreans Ko/Ha, and the top seeds n°1 Widianto/Natsir (IND) to Zheng/Ma (CHN)

On court n°2, the Korean pair started fast the opener, leading the opener and won : 21/16. But, the Indians caught up in the second set, they implemented their touch game. Ho and Ka use the errors of the opponents and in order not to be outrun. After the pause, they started with a very short difference 11/10. A balance is found in the, but the Koreans speeded up at 16/16, it is too fast for Diju et Gutta who left the second game. Final score : 16/21 19/21.

The Korean pair can be proud of her, she will face the Chinese pair Zheng/Ma … the first big surprise of the day.

Indeed, the other match was opposing the top seed No1. Widianto/Natsir (IND) to the Chinese Zheng/Ma (CHN). Favourite of the competition on the paper, they committed few unforced errors during the opener. After an long and important rally at 16/19 won by the Koreans. After another error, The Indonesians Lost the opener 19/21. The second set is just beautiful. Widianto and Natsir impressed and performed some amazing shots and leaded 8/4. The Chinese wait and prepared the counter attack. They offered an amazing end of game. After 53 minutes, they won 19/21 21/23/ The Chinese created the first big surprise of the day.

Read more: focus : mixed doubles

Laura (Choinet) and Weny (Rasidi) were attending a signing event at the federal booth.

Laura underlines that « It is fairly rare to organize this kind of event. We do one here because we are in France, it also happens sometime during the Super Series ». Rarely approached during other international competition, due to the lack of medals and international recognition, she recognised that it is “funny to be shown at her best” like this.

Present during the week to support the other French players, we asked them what are their opinion on the tournament. « I was present each day of the week, except yesterday as I made a break” told us Laura. « And until now there was no big surprise. In all the draws, it is more or less normal. But it is true that today we had a lot of surprises, Lin Dan has just lost, Chong Wei lee too. But globally, we came back to see the French play so today we are here to support Hongyan. We hope that she will win. »

Weny confessed :« It was difficult to see a match until the end as I never came alone. I can watch the match today as I can stay in the federal booth. In all the draws there was no surprise »

The question on everybody's lips is the shape of Hongyan.

Laura added « I saw her this morning she seemed to be really tense but you are always tense before a match. I think that winning a match yesterday gave her more confidence. It's been a long time that she had not played a good match. I think that she is confident. Now it will be difficult against the Chinese, she is a good player. With the support of the public I hope that she will do her best to win. »

As a forecast, Laura says «With what happens today, you can't be sure of anything, we were sure that Lin Dan will go to the semi finals, Peter Gade has a good draw, he is going to play against a Japanese who has a lower ranking than he has. I think that Gade will go to the final, maybe against Taufik. For the medal I would like to see Gade World champion, but if it is Taufik it is nice too. ». Weny who has not watched the draws, doesn't really have an idea on the question but she agrees with her double partner.

Read more: Interview : Laura Choinet and Weny Rasidi

Tine, cool and relaxed and smiling as usual, welcomed us at her hotel yesterday afternoon.
The Dane player confessed us her impressions on the competition : the ambience, the public support and the heat on the courts ! But she also talked about her game and her approach of the tournament.

“Tell us about your match”

“When she was leading 17/12 in the second I tried to stay focus not to make mistake because I made too many of them until then. But I show a good attitude and I was thinking that I've done it before so why not today; the crowd really helped me. It was not disturbing, they were cheering and shooting « come on !! » so I've felt that it was a big support and it definitively helps me going all the way.”

During the all match you appeared very focus and at the end very opened to the journalists :

«  I was relaxed after my game, I could feel the support from the French crowd, helped me win this match. I wasn't playing at my highest level but under. Today I was really having difficulties to find the right rhythm and afterwards I was just wanting to thank every body. When you're on court it really helps to get the fans shooting and screaming for you; also I really like that Petya had some fans, so it was ok, we both have a crowd behind us and not only for one side. It was a great relief to win today ».

What do you have to improve for tomorrow ?
« I don't know her that much, she's been out of the game for a couple of years. I remember that she won the bronze medal in the Worlds in the US. Of course I have to go up and study her game but I also have to rely on my own game and tactics

What were the difficulties ?

« The difficulties for today was that I knew I was better than this, but the matches between Petya and me are always tight and close and I know that. She has beating me at the Olympics in Athens (2004) so I know she is very good at this tournaments.
I was relying on my own game but I was, may be, playing a little bit too slow, with less sharper shots that I use to. »

Hongyan said in a Press Conference that all the players are increasing the level of game for the Worlds. Do you think the same ?

« I think everybody wants to play good at the Championships and everybody has a higher level but I think one of the condition involving in the Worlds is that everybody is a little bit nervous. It's very important to win a medal, it's a big thing in Denmark and that's what is so special.
I have won All England 2 times I shouldn't be nervous but I still am. Everybody is. You can see the girl from Japan today who beat Yihan Wang it's may be 1 out of 10 but it's the Worlds because she's nervous too. Everything is possible, strange things happen at the Worlds, when you play the Super Series, it's not that strange. »

You played in the Super Series last year, what are the differences between the Super Series and the Worlds in term of organisation ?

« I can feel that the organisation here is very “high level”, I think it's very good, I know they have done their best to keep this going on. So far there is not a point where I can say it has to be better. »

There is the « heat » issue on these Championships, is it going to be a problem for you ?

« I think the heat is much worst when you seat !!! Until now it's hotter then I used to. In Asia they have air conditioning, it's never that hot. It's been many years since I played in that heat but I don't think it really makes the difference; the players have do to their preparation well, we have to have enough energy and drink a lot of water. »

So it's not going to be a key element during the match ?

« I hope not ! Until now it's ok, but if they put air conditioning now may be the windy conditions will get the matches even worst. Right now they are really close and there is a good play going on, if they put the air conditioning many mistakes could be done .. »

Your opponent spent a lot of time on court, you on the opposite seem to barely have entered the Worlds.

« I was happy to see that she run a long match, I was lying on my bed watching her play ! But of course It's a good think because I can keep in mind that she can get tired too

Isnt' tricky ? Because she has done long matches and won

« Of course she has the confidence now, she has beating good players. But of course if I reach my highest level that will be really good for me and I hope she is really tired. So hopefully I will rise my game to a higher level. I know that she can run for an hour... but I can run for an hour as well !! »

Tine Baun won today and ensure a Medal for Denmark, part of the mission accomplished !!

Read more: Interview Tine Baun

Today, enter the quarter finals, all the players will have only one thing in mind: to qualify for the semi finals that will ensure the way back home with a medal. Indeed, badminton is knownf for giving out four medals per event as the 3rd place match is only played in the Olympics. Two bronze medals will be then given to the semi-finals losers of each event.

On the menu today, big guns only.

In the men’s singles event, Lee Chong Wei, world n°1, takes on Taufik Hidayat from Indonesia, seed n°5. Meanwhile Lin Dan will face the number 13 seed, from Korea, Sung Hwan Park who has already beaten the Chinese shuttlers three times in nine encounters.

In the women’s singles event, big challenge for the world n°2 Saina Nehwal (IND) who’ll face the number 6 seed Shixian Wang while Hongyan Pi will take on the ambitious Xin Wang.

Big surprises in the Mixed Doubles with the defeat of Danes Laybourn/Rytter Juhl and Widianto/Natsir, respectively n°2 and n°1 seed.

Read more: Names for the medals ?

As usual, the Secretary of State for Sports, Rama Yade, paid a visit to Coubertin. She already attended last year the IBF Super Series in Paris and she made a point this year to be present at the Yonex BWF World Championships.
Rama Yade arrived at the end of the afternoon to watch Hongyan Pi against the Korean Moon Hi Kim. The Secretary of Sports, who already watched the French playing last year, must have appreciated the match of this year.
From the galleries, she must have felt the atmosphere, like all Coubertin. She attended the press conference at the end of the match with the French player : « I really wanted to see her playing again. She proved that she had a strong mind. »
Even though this match was a round of 16 of a World Championship, it was not broadcasted. This just confirmed the declaration of the Secretary of State, right before her departure « The badminton, is the first sport practice at school and should be more covered by the media. »

Brice Leverdez made some happy few in Coubertin Hall.
Fans didn't hesitate to queue to see the French player, they even queue up from the outside of Courbertin to get his autograph. Smiling and relaxed, Brice gave his time to his public. Everybody, especially the younger left Coubertin with the poster of the Yonew WBF World Championships signed. For sure, the mood of Brice and his dedication to his public may create vocation and among the Young who attended the today's signing event may be the champions of tomorrow.

The Yonex BWF World Championships are not finished yet but London is already on the track

Present at Coubertin Hall, the London 2011 stand is here to promote the next year event « We are here until Sunday to inform the French public that next year the World Championships are organised in London . »

They are also here as observers to see how things go in Paris and to get some ideas on the organization « The branding is good » And the setting of the equipment caught their attention as well « the big screen in the rear of the stadium is an excellent initiative ».

Their objective is clear and simple : « Organizing the best World Championships that were ever made ». For this, they already have a jewel box : The Arena Stadium in Wembley where the Olympic Games will be held in 2012. “Setting the matches there would be a good test.”

Tickets are already on sale since Monday, on the internet website : www.badminton2011.co.uk.

There are not only the top seeds, champions or outsiders who can play in Coubertin. Wednesday evening, celebrities came to play badminton and enjoyed the Hall Coubertin. Were present : Isabelle Sévérino (gymnastics), Sarah Pitkowski (tennis), and the Olympic medal winners : Florence Masnada (ski), Jean Pierre Vidal (slalom), and Laurence Modaine (fencing, and also spouse of the badminton coach Fabrice Vallet). Our official sponsors and patrons were present too.

Teams of 7 to 8 people played each others. The tournament started after the Peter Gade's match, The guests didn't play in 1 hour but in 4 minutes, to allow them to take their breath back between the rallies.
And As it will be done on Sunday, medals were distributed to the winners of this small tournament !
Our official partners of these Yonex BWF World Championships provided all the equipment for this small tournament.

This friendly evening ended with a small reception.
The coming IBF Super Series in France, in November, will be another occasion to switch sports for our celebrities..

This fourth day of the Yonex World Championships will be the stage of the last16.

In the Women's single draw : Tine Baun (DEN), seed N°4, will play again Nadia Nedelcheva (BUL), seed N°15. The Dane is one of the biggest hope of medal for Europe with  Hongyan Pi. The French player will face the Korean Moon Hi Kim, seed N°16. The match between Ella Diehl (RUS), seed 13 and Saina Nehwal (IND), seed N° 2, will surely be tricky  for the Indian, who had some problems against the Taiwanese in the first round.

The men's single's event , the match to watch  is the confrontation between the Malaysian Chong Wei Lee (MAS), top seed N°1, and the English OUSEPH Rajiv, who played incredibly well against the seed N°11 Jan O Jorgensen. Taufik Hidayat will face the Thai player Tanongsak Saensonboonsuk. And Lin Dan will play against another Chinese, Bao Chunlai, which can be a test match for the seed N°3. Let's hope that Peter Gade will have recovered before playing against Marc Ziebler from Germany

On the mixed doubles event, one shouldn't miss the gifted mixed doubles pair Robertson/Wallwork who will face one of the favourite of the competition the Danes, Laybourn and Rytter Juhl.

Read more: Tomorrow on the courts

Last hope for the French team, the reigning French champion and world n°5 Hongyan Pi impressed on her first match of the competition. She appeared very focused when she steps in the court and outplayed her opponent to ensure an early lead (14-1) in a few minutes. The relieved French crowd set the hall on fire to support the French shuttler until the end of the first game : 21-8 “I tried to stay focus as soon as the match started. Elena did a lot of faults during the first set but she pull herself up on the second” as she told us.

At the beginning of the second game the Ukrainian shows a better form and challenged Hongyan for a few rallies before bending down to a very confident opponent 21-8 again.”I thought the match would be more difficult. It's very hot in the hall so I'm happy it wasn't a rallye. I'll be able to keep my strengh and my energy for tomorrow.”

Questions regarding her actual level have been answered “My knee is not a problem anymore. When you play you ignore the pain, you are totally focused on the game”

Furthermore, Hongyan knows she can rely on supportive French fans “It has been very nice to play in front of the French crowd. They always cheer me up”

Questions / Answers regarding...

her outfit (Blu/white/red)

"I didn't wear it specially for the World Championship, it is the official outfit; I have already wore it"

the French player's results

"I found that weird to see the others out of the Championships. Even if I have started the tournament early the crowd would have had the same expectations"

her retirement

"I think I will continue after the Championships; and until my body will support me"

the heat

"The temperature is quite high, it surely helps the Asians. They are used to this kind of heat. But it is still suatable. It's not as hot as in Asia"

her objectifs

"When you enter a World Championships you go for medals. But you have go match after match. Every game is a tough one because everyone is well prepared and on shape"

Read more: Hongyan Pi didn't miss her first match

Coubertin charmed by the demoiselles …..

The French Women's doubles pair played against the Russians Valéria Sorokina et Nina Vislova. Both pairs were composed of a left-handed and a right-handed player. Despite a good start in the game, the French lost 21/8 21/7 with a lot of unforced errors and good shots while the Russians appeared steady and experienced

How do you feel after this difficult match, ?

Barbara : « We are frustrated, even if they were stronger than us on the paper. We really wanted to be at our best for this match, on some points we were but not all the time. We are just disappointed because the match was too short ».

According to you, what makes the difference ?

Elisa : « the way we deal with tough rallies and how to end a rally too. They are real women's doubles specialists, we are not. We felt it in the first 2-3 exchanges of each rally, they perfectly know what to do and how to react. And when we had really long rally we managed to do something ».

Barbara : « I think that they also made the difference with their power. Each time, we were too short, they sent us deep at the back of the court or just ended the point. We couldn't afford any mistake. »

Were you stressed ?

Elisa : « To be honest, not that much compared to what I thought I would be. I have already been more stressed before. »

Barbara : « With the public, I get the impression that i was flying. Each time we made a winning shot, it was as if we made 10. Finally, this kind of stress was very positive. »

After 3 days of competition, What is your assessment of the performance of the French team ?

Elisa : « It is very disappointing. We had a lot of missed opportunities. Some missed these opportunities. The men's singles and doubles should have done better. »

Barbara : « There was a lot of pressure on the players too, with the all the media watching at us and discovering the Badminton in France. I am very disappointed for this them too. »

Baptiste [Baptiste Carême, men's doubles], last time, talked about a « French Curse » regarding consistency, what do you think about this ?

Elisa : « That's true, when you do compete at the highest level you may have some complexe. You always come to win but maybe you don't have enough selfconfidence. But it is less true with the younger player, who can play without any complex against the Danes or the Chinese. It is a change of mentality. »

And now, what's next ?

Elisa : « Well for me it is over... i mean i stop playing badminton at the highest level It was my last match. We had the opportunity to play together with Barbara. We had some results and « Sveti » [Svetlanov Stoyanov] prepared us very well for this Yonex BWF World Championships… »

Barbara : « …And we came from so far »

Read more: So long Elisa Chanteur

Tuesday 24 August 11h45, Our Title Partner Yonex invited 10 French young seeds to meet Taufik Hidayat and seized the occasion to reward them for their season. Catherine Chouissa, Yonex Representative in France, explained us the event : « We launched our first Yonex Young Team, the team gathered 10 young player with potential. We invited them to the Yonex BWF World Championships and we organised a reception to reward them with Yonex equipment and tee-shirts of the competition for their season and to meet Taufik Hidayat. »

After his victory in three sets, Taufik Hidayat came to greet the young French players. Very smiling, the Indonesian champion devoted his time to a shooting session with the players.

On the French side, it is sheer pleasure for the young players, particularly for Vincent Medina, French Champion 2010 in Men's singles for the under 15, the sparkling eyes, “It is great! He is smiling all the time. Later, I would like to be like him.” Joris Grosjean, after his match with Lucas Corvée two days ago, est really grateful “It is really great. Thank you Yonex”. It was then possible to ask about his schedule for the end of the week : “ I will be in Coubertin the all week. I will watch the best match. I don't have a specific model, each player is different : the serves of Gunawan, the rallies of the Danes, the play of the English… »

Read more: Yonex event : Taufik Hidayat meets the French young seeds

Despite his defeat this morning against Thien Minh Nguyen, the young Estonian Raul Must took his time to answer our questions.

« Hello, My name is Raul Must, 22 years old and I have been training in Estonia until I was 16/17 years old than I moved from one country to another to play badminton. »

Playing badminton in Estonia is not easy,there are no good coaches, no gymnasiums. «  It is impossible to play in Estonia, there is no player and nothing is done for this sport »

So Raul decided to moved out of the country, he landed first in Germany to prepare the 2008 Olympic Games : « I stayed during two years in the training centre of the BWF, it allowed me to qualify for the Olympic Games. »

Member of one club of the Bundesleague, Raul has decided to follow his coach in Sweden. « I chose Sweden instead of Denmark because I am more comfortable with the Swedish type of game, and the team, I have the same level of game, and in addition I am convinced of the potential of the team (Must is training with the Swedish national team). The group is really united, everybody is helping each other, it is a really team work.”

His next deadline : the Olympic Games in London, even if it will be easier to be qualified for London, he still has a lot of work to do. To improve his game, he intends to make a lot of competitions.

Beaten by the seed n°7 Nguyen Minh Thien (VIE) 21/14 21/10 at the second round, Raul admitted that the previous match tired him, but he also added that The Vietnamese played a better game than he did. “Thien loves playing in the back of the court, he can run all the time. He has a good defence and it was really difficult for me as I am not a good attacking player. We have the same type of game but he has a higher level.”

Really happy to be present at these Yonex BWF World Championships, Must is realistic “ it would have been a miracle of I had reached the second round. My level is not good enough to go further in the draw. I am already very happy to have reached the second round!”

The Estonian ended this interview with a huge smile on his face. For sure we will see him again in Paris ….. or somewhere else.

Read more: Interview : Raul Must

All the hopes of the French team rely on the Women !

After the elimination of the male players in single and double tuesday, it will be the responsibility of Elisa, Barbara, Audrey, Marion and Hongyan to make a real difference compare to their male team mate.

The first performers will be Elisa Chanteur and Barbara Mattias. They will play against the Russians Sorokina and Vislova, The French won their first round by a WO.
Later on, it will be the turn of Audrey Fontaine et Marion Luttman to play against the Chinese Du and YU, who recently won the Uber Cup.
But all the attention will be on the most probable chance of medal for the French team : Hongyan Pi.For her, the concept is clear : doing a square match and beating the Ukrainian Elena Prus (who is also a good double player).

Matches of high level are scheduled tomorrow.
In the men's single draw : Lee Chong Wei (1), Peter Gade (2),  Taufik Hidayat (5) and Lin Dan (3),  and for the women's single draw Saina Nehwal (2) and Xin Wang (3).
The mixed doubles draw will also offers great matchs : the top seed n°1  Laybourn /  Rytter Juhl (1) against the Polish Szkudlarczyk / Wojtkowska, remake of the final of the European Championships or not …

The Mixed double pair from South Africa, James / Edwards  may create the event against the Malaysian pair Gunawan / Marissa in Coubertin tomorrow.

Beginning of the match 10 am.

Blues day for the Frenchies ..

Second day of competition here in Coubertin for the French team, and another day, full of disappointment.

First in the arena, Weny Rasidi and Ronan Labar, who were playing against the seed n°10 Tao JIAMING / Zhang YAWEN, without pressure. Far from being ridiculous against the Chinese, The French resisted during the opener before « kowtowing » in the second game 21/17 21/16.

Later on this morning, it was Simon Maunory's turn to step in the competition. Taking his chance, he started with a very offensive game, he nearly won the opener (18/21). But the match was not over yet, and the French easily won the second 21/10. The third was decisive, and finally the Malaysian Choong Hann WONG, seed n°16, taking advantage of all the enforced errors of the French, securing the last game 21/17. Simon can be proud of his performance, good sign for the future.

Next to the court, on court n°1, Brice Leverdez was facing the Dutch Dicky Palyama. It was under the ovation of the public that the French number 1 entered the court. Very motivated, Brice started his match with energy but making few errors but also good shots. The Dutch finally took the lead of the match by taking the opener 21/16. The French didn't give up and started the second game with the same energy. But the Dutch, again, get the upper hand on the French, with tricky et fast shots. Brice gave his best, but finally he didn't manage to take back the control of the match and lost the second game 15/21. Extremely disappointed, the French player confessed that he felt some pressure et never found the good timing in the match.

The hope was relying on the last pair involved in the competition today Laurent Constantin and Sébastien Vincent. After a quick start, they rapidly leaded 19/15 then 20/18, but a hand fault mentioned by the service judge in a such crucial moment distracted the French who lost the opener 20/22. Definitely distracted, the French missed the level of concentration necessary for the second game and lost it 10/21 …Damn!

Reactions:BRICE LEVERDEZ

Brice, We can easily imagine that this is a big disappointment for you …..

Yes of course it is a huge disappointment for me. I did the same mistake i did before when i was in my first big international competition, regarding my preparation and my approach of the competition.

Did you have too much pressure ?

I thought that i could handle this. I am neither European Champion nor World Champion in title. I need to think about this. Maybe i was too much with the Media these last days … But after all, he had pressure too and he managed to handle this and he played very well …

You never won against Dicky Palyama in your last three encounters, did this have an impact on your approach of the match ?

Non i didn't notice this before, by the way now that i think about this .. it hurts a little bit

What is the most difficult when you play against him ?

He is not an academic player .. he is very gifted, capable to play incredible and unexpected shots...

Did you ever think that you will never catch up with Dicky Palyama ?

No I always had the will even if it was not clear all the time. I came back at the end of the second game but he had 2 or 3 shots that really surprised me ….

But you made some good offensive ones, and you were very offensive during the match …

Yes i know. Usually i do not make some many errors. I didn't have the good timing. I was too fast or too slow, and i didn't know what to do …. He played well , he saw that i had troubles with my game, and he made me play and make the mistakes ….

You said that you made mistakes in your preparation, can you elaborate a little bit on this …

I shouldn't have played too much last week. I was nearly too fit for the competition. And i can't handle this extrabit of energy.. and i know this it is not the first time .

LAURENT CONSTANTIN / SEBASTIEN VINCENT

How do you explain such a difference of game between the two sets ?

Sébastien Vincent : “This service fault at this point of the match, while i have been serving the same way during the all match really destabilised me. In the second game, we force our game and we made a lot of errors.”

We feel that you are really frustrated ….

“Calling a service fault on a match point never happened at the highest level. You can call in this kind of fault, but not at this point of the game, especially in a World Championships. We've been playing with them during the preparation and we made the exactly the same score.”

Your pair was constituted more or less one year ago, and this second round is your best result ever at this level of competition ….

“Yes, we are not used to play together at such a level. I hope that we will have more opportunities to play together at this level, where the game is really fast. The Asian have a really fast game, while in Europe and in France we are more focused on the control. Physically, it is very hard to maintain the level of game during a all match, this is what we lack more.”

How do you see the future

« Well first we had a tournament next week the Bitburger Badminton Open in Sarrebruck. Then we will see. »

Read more: Blues day for the French Team

Daniel Paiola, 21 years old, n°66 lived a dream playing against Peter Gade.

According to Paiola, it was a great chance to meet and play Peter Gade during these Yonex World Championships.
The 21 years old player lost the match 21/10  21/7 against a fit and relaxed Gade but was still smiling during the interview. He performed some good points but recognized that the Dane is really too strong and too fast close to the net.

If for Gade it was more about to start in the arena and to get good sensations. For Paiola, it was a question of learning as much as he can from the Number 2 in the World « The more time I get from him, the better ».

Paiola explained that he intends to be the first Brasilian player at the next Olympic Games. To reach this goal,  he is going to spend a full month in Denmark for training ….. A lot of sacrifices and  involvement from the young player who just have an equipment sponsor (VICTOR) but who has to pay for all his  international competitions.

Nevertheless, his first Yonex BWF World Championships are great for the young Brasilian «  I love the peple, the food and the city …. »
 

After a big day with 66 matches, the rhythm will slow down slightly.

Tomorrow to 54 match.  In the schedule, we can notice that the top seed n°1 in women's singles, Yihan Wang, will start her competition. She will play against the Slovenian player Maja Tvrdy at the end of the morning session.  Peter Gade, Top seed n°2 and great favourite of the French public here in Coubertin, will play against the young Brasilian player Daniel Paiola.

And later, the Indonesian mixed double, Widianto / Natsir, top seed n°1, will enter the arena against another Indonesian pair Kurniawan / Bernadet. During this day, the French players will still be visible : in men's doubles, Brice Leverdez, Simon Maunoury and Sébastien Vincent and Laurent Constatin in men's doubles. Brice will open the festivity with Dicky Palyama, against who he played several times.

Simon  will play against the top seed n°16, the Malaysian Choong Hann Wong.  Laurent Constantin and Sébastien Vincent, who created the surprise on the first day, will have a tough time against the pair from Taipeh Hung Ling Chen and Yu Lang Lin, top seed n° 12.   The Public, smart connoisseur, will be present for sure.

After a gloomy morning for the French Team, Sébastien VINCENT et Laurent CONSTANTIN set the Stadium on fire this afternoon.

Playing against the Australian double GUNARATNE and WHITEHEAD, they won 21/15 21/15 in less than 24 minutes.

The French public supported the French double at the toughest time of the game. « At some point, we got loose but we got back in the game, it is in such moment that you can loose a match »

Starting fast they leaded the first set but encountered some difficulties to finish it. Without specific tactic and having never played against the Australians before, nevertheless the French pair maintained their advantage.

Steady and consistent in their game, they won and gave the first victory to the French team. « We think that we have just demonstrated that we can win too » and to conclude « We reached our goal, what comes next it is just sheer pleasure ».

Despite his defeat this morning, Matthieu Lo Ying Ping attended a signing event organised by our official supporter, la Société Générale, this Monday 23 August at 3pm.

More than a hundred of spectators were present to meet the young French player. Smiling and relaxed, Matthieu welcomed his fans with patience, and took his time for taking pictures, signing posters and discussing with them.

One thing for certain, he remains one of the favourite player of the French public as shown by the reactions of the children :

« He is funny and nice. That's not important if he lost this morning. He plays very well. »

This event was initiated by La Société générale, our official supporter, in the framework of their action for the Young players of badminton in France. They invited more than 300 children (320), active or involved in badminton clubs, during the first two days of the competition.

Our official supporter La Société Générale will launch special offers for badminton players. More information at the stand of our official supporter.

Lee Chong Wei

After a first easy match , Lee Chong Wei delivered his impressions and sensations.

« The air is a little bit hot and dry due to the lack of air con, but he accostumed to with the Malaysian climate. The venue and the conditions are great. »

Despite some troubles with their rooms at the hotel, the Malaysian top seed is happy to perform in Paris and he is looking forwards to the other matchs.

This Sunday August 22nd, the press Conference for the launching of the Yonex BWF World Championships 2010 took place into the hotel Mercure, close to the Venue Stade Pierre de Couvertin.

Here are interviews of Saina Nehwal, Peter Gade, and Fench players français Hongyan Pi and Brice Leverdez :

Read more: Press Conference for the launching of the event

Here we are. In few hours the Yonex BWF World Championships 2010 are going to start, for the first time ever in France. 332 players from all around the world came with one goal : to bring back one of the five World Champions Titles to their country.

The venue is ready to welcome spectators and players into the biggest international badminton event of the year...let the show start !

photo credit : FFBA

Even during their preparation, The French team take of their time to answer few questions. Discover teh French athletes, ready to take a chance in the World Championships to defend the colours of France....Ladies's double

Ladies' doubles

Laura Choinet / Weny Rasidi, a chance for a medal ?

Best ranking: n°17 (2007)

Actual ranking: n°17 (20.08.2010)

Elisa Chanteur / Barbara Matias, the outsiders

Actual ranking: n°63 (08.2010)

Room of Trophy

• 2^nd at the Franch national championships in 2010

• Winners of the Finnish Open in 2010

• semi final at the Portuguese Open

Audrey Fontaine / Marion Luttmann, the little blue ones

Actual ranking: no international ranking

Room of trophy

• Last 16 at the Junior World Championships in 2008

Read more: inside the French Team 2/4 : ladies second ....

Even during their preparation, The French team take of their time to answer few questions. Discover teh French athletes, ready to take a chance in the World Championships to defend the colours of France … from the ladies first

WOMEN'S SINGLES

Hongyan Pi, the team leader ...

Date of birth/age: 25/01/1979   31years

Place of birth: Chongqing, Chine

Height: 1m64

Weight: 55kg

Family: Since 2007, partner Nicolas Huguet (world champion in 2007 of mistral design, olympic windsurf)

Right-handed

First club: Greve stand club Danemark 2000-2005

Actual club : Union St-Bruno Bordeaux 2005- today

Read more: inside the French team 1/4 : ladies first ....

Cai Yun / Fu Haifeng, perfect synergy

Best ranking: No.1 (2007)

Current ranking: No.14 (29.07.2010)

Read more: Pairs of the day : Men's Doubles

(in french)Tonight on the TV show « Tout le Sport » (France 3), let’s enjoy the meeting between Hongyan Pi (French Badminton Champion) and Laura Flessel (twice French Olympic Champion Fencing).

This year, there is two world events organized by France: the Yonex BWF World Championships 2010 and the World fencing Championships 2010. For the occasion, the two ladies met together and switched their sport. Thus Hongyan discovered fencing and Laura learnt how to play badminton.

Let’s enjoy the show between these two ambassadors motivated to realize a great performance in their respective World Championships.

Only 10 days to go to see all the best badminton players of the earth coming to Paris for this world badminton party. As Champions, the website is preparating to the event.

During all the competition, the website will offer last news, reviews, videos, interviews, "twitter's news",...and many other attractions that you will discover soon.

Monday and during all the next week, you will also discover the Doubles' presentation and all information on players will be available directly on the homepage.

The website will be the place to be to see the inside of the Yonex BWF World Championships 2010.

Official TV Broadcaster of the BWF Yonex World Championships 2010, Eurosport France is  currently broadcasting the teaser of the event. Let's find the teaser in the "Videos gallery" :

With the draws of the Yonex BWF World Championships made today in Kuala Lumpur at the Malaysia BWF’s head office, things become clearer two weeks before the event.

The world champion LIN Dan (China) will play in the first round against Ali SHAHHOSSEINI (n°102) and he could meet LEE Chong Wei (Malaysia) world number one in the semi-final.

For the French players, Hongyan PI will meet l’Ukrainienne Elena PRUS (n°79) at the second round. In the men’s singles, it will be difficult for the french number one Brice LEVERDEZ (n°27). He will face Dicky PALYAMA (n° 22, Netherlands). He will need all the support from the home crowd.

Attachments:

XD BWF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2010.pdf	12 Kb
WD BWF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2010.pdf	12 Kb
MD BWF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2010.pdf	12 Kb
WS BWF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2010.pdf	11 Kb
MS BWF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2010.pdf	12 Kb

Starting from Monday 9th of August, the tickets sent by registered mail will be replaced by the e-tickets to avoid any non-distribution problem that could happen.

Therefore, if you wish to receive the ticket specially edited for the Yonex BWF World Championships, now is the last moment to make your reservation.

Recherche Volontaires sur les 3 postes suivants :

Communication rédaction

Vous parlez anglais, avez une aisance rédactionnelle an anglais et vous êtes passionnés par le Badminton? C'est l'occasion unique de rejoindre dès à présent notre équipe de communication/rédaction lors des Yonex Championnats du Monde de Badminton Du 22 au 29 août 2010.

Envoyez vite un email à This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (ou appelez le 01 49 21 09 73)

Gestion des Parkings

Utilisez votre sens de l'organisation et votre sens de l'accueil en tant que volontaire Parking lors des Yonex Championnats du Monde de Badminton à partir du 20 août au Stade Pierre de Coubertin. Vous serez en charge de la gestion au quotidien d'un contingent de places destiné à l'organisation.

Envoyez vite un email à This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (ou appelez le 01 49 21 09 73)

Officier Hôtel

Vous maitrisez l'anglais et êtes disponible à partir du 21 août ? Le comité d'organisation vous accueillera dans l'équipe en tant qu'officier hôtel pour notre évènement mondial. Au contact d'élus, d'officiels, et de délégations, vous serez leur interlocuteur principal, un intermédiaire transport et leur conseiller particulier le temps d'une dizaine de jours.

Envoyez vite un email à This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   (ou appelez le 01 49 21 09 73)

Already 3000 visitors...

2 weeks and half after the beginning of Paris Plages, it means at the halfway of the operation, badminton attraction proposed in front of the Paris' City Hall has already welcomed more than 3000 visitors.

Read more: Paris Plages : more than 3000 visitors at the halfway of the event

In less than 6 days, at 2p.m. (local time) in Kuala Lumpur, BWF is going to draw lots of the final draws of the competition. All selected players would be focused on this important stage which will launch the Yonex BWF World Championships 2010.

Read more: Draws of the competition are going to come out in 6 days

Discover everyday information about a champions...this week WOMEN'S SINGLES' champions

Xin Wang, the coming back

Information

Date of birth/age : November 10th, 1985 – 24 years

Place of birth:  Liaoning (China)

Height: 1m66

Read more: Player of the day : Xin Wang

Discover everyday information about a champions...this week WOMEN'S SINGLES' champions

Saina Nehwal, the new talent from India

Information

Date of birth/age : March 17th, 1990 – 20 years

Place of birth:  Hisar, Haryana (India)

Height: 1m65

Read more: Player of the day : Saina Nehwal

Discover everyday information about a champions...this week WOMEN'S SINGLES' champions

Tine Rasmussen, the 2010 European Champion

Information

Date of birth/age : July 21st, 1979 – 31 years

Place of birth:  Hørsholm (Denmark)

Height: 1m83

Situation familiale : Recently married to Martin Baun, the Dane Team's physical therapist. She doesn't have child.

Read more: Player of the day : Tine Rasmussen

TV News "19/20" on France 3 Ile-De-France (big channel in France), the 27.07.2010, news on badminton from 15'33 to 17'33 :

Discover everyday information about a champions...this week WOMEN'S SINGLES' champions

Wang Yihan, sensitive favourite

Information

Date of birth/age : January 18th, 1988 – 22 years

Place of birth:  Shanghai, China

Height: 1m78 

Read more: Player of the day : Wang Yihan

Opened for everybody, many activities will be created to permit you to discover of this sport, to challenge your friends or just to play in family.

With the patronage of Brice Leverdez (French Champion 2010), the Monde du Bad of the suburbs of Paris will take place from august 2nd to 22nd, 2010, on 7 leasure centresbases  and parks, and will purpose you badminton's attractions for free : 

Read more: This summer badminton will be everywhere in Ile-de-France

 D-30 !

Today it remains exactly one month before the Yonex BWF World Championships. For the first time of its history Paris will welcome the biggest badminton event of the year at the venue Stade Pierre-de-Coubertin.

From August 23rd to 29th, best players of the world will come to get the 5 coveted titles of World Champion. With all favourites, these World Championships promises to be tight.

During the 7 days of competition, more than 300 players will come playing to Coubertin with a public of badminton lovers but also of beginner, curious to discover this amazing sport. So far, almost 90 % of tickets have been already sold but few tickets are still available for the three first days of competition. We are expected 25 000 spectators for all Yonex BWF World Championships 2010 long.

Discover everyday information about a champions...this week MEN'S SINGLES' champions

Taufik Hidayat, the magician

Information

Date of birth/age : August 10th 1981 – 28years

Place of birth:  Bandung, Indonesia

Height: 1m76

Weight:  64kg

Family status: Married with Ami Gumelar, one daughter : Natarina Alika (born in August 2007) and Nayottama Prawira Hidayat (born in June 2010)

Read more: Player of the day : Taufik Hidayat

Discover everyday information about a champions...this week MEN'S SINGLES' champions

Peter Gade, the France lover

Information

Date of birth/age : December 14th 1976 – 33 years

Place of birth:  Aalborg (Denmark)

Height: 1m83

Weight:  73kg

Family status: Married with Camilla Høeg (handball player), 2 children : Nanna (born the October 13th 2004) and Alma (born October 10th 2008)

Read more: Player of the day : Peter Gade

Yesterday (Tuesday July 20th) the Paris Plages operation began everywhere in Paris.

Based in front of the City Hall, badminton offers 600m² to play for free. After one day, it is almost 350 people who enjoyed the attraction!

Until August 19th, let’s come playing for free in the magnificent place of the City Hall.

We give you racquets and shuttlecocks, and you just have to bring your sunscreen cream.

Discover everyday information about a champions...this week MEN'S SINGLES' champions

Lee Chong Wei, No.1, champion with an Achilles' heel

Information

Date of birth/age : October 21st 1982 – 27 years

Place of birth:  Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia

Height: 1m74

Weight:  60kg

Family status: Single

Read more: Player of the day : Lee Chong Wei

Discover everyday information about a champions...this week MEN'S SINGLES' champions

Lin Dan, «M. Super Dan »

Information

Date of birth/age : October 14th - 26 years

Place of birth: Longyan, Fujian, China

Height: 1m78

Weight: 72 kg

Family status : in a relationship with Xie Xingfang (former badminton champion retired since Octobre 2009)

Read more: Player of the day : Lin Dan

The Yonex BWF World Championships 2010 will be on RMC ! Let's listen the advertisement of the event which has been broadcasted on the radio since last week :

Read more: RMC radio advertisement

After the « Badminton’s Thursdays », the City Hall of Paris go on badminton activities during “Paris Plages”.

All “Paris Plages” during, from July 20th to August 20th, you will be able to play badminton on the City Hall’s forecourt, from Thursday to Sunday, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.*

With a 500 square-meters badminton area, everybody would be able to enjoy materials lent by the French Federation of Badminton’s animation team.

Many games will be also organized all day long. Let’s enjoy badminton’s summer in Paris.

*Schedule could change in case of scorching heat.

Sunday July 11, badminton will go out to the Place de la Bourse in Paris. From 10 a.m.to 7 p.m., many badminton courts will be provided to play badminton for free. You don’t need specific equipments, the organization’s team will loan you racquets and shuttlecocks.

This operation marks the end of the activity “Badminton’s Thursdays” (“Jeudis du badminton” in French) organized by FFBA (Badminton French Federation) and the city hall of the 2nd District of Paris from the beginning of June to this Thursday July 8th.

Read more: Let's play Badminton in Paris

With 50 days to go, the Yonex BWF World Championships 2010’s official shop is launching a free competition from July5th to August 4th.

On the agenda: 3 questions (in French) and a lottery between all correct answers to win a VIP week-end for 2 people at the Yonex BWF World Championships 2010, and many other gifts.

To participate click on:

http://www.ffba.fanavenue.com/formulaires/jeux/ffba.asp

We are just 4 months from the start of the Yonex French Open 2010 which will take place on November 2nd to 7th at the stadium Pierre de Coubertin in Paris.

At this occasion, we are pleased to announce the opening of the ticketing! You can buy one of the 3 Packs offer proposed on the online ticketing:

http://www.ifbyonex.com/en/ticketing/ticketing-access

Two months after the Yonex BWF World Championships 2010, this event will give the opportunity to the newly crowned World Champions to confirm their title against badminton’s best players.

Access to online ticketing and information: http://www.ifbyonex.com/en

Read more: YONEX FRENCH OPEN 2010 : TICKETING OPENED

End of suspense in Jakarta where competition was animated by a show of few favourites’ force but also surprises, in spite of the absence of Chinese. Reporting of the Indonesia’s SuperSeries, last ones before the Yonex BWF World Championships 2010.

To revenge, to bear out and to create new surprises

Great coming back of favourites in the Men’s Singles draw, where N.1 (World ranking) Lee Chong Wei (MAS) defeated Taufik Hidayat N.5 (INA) in great shape for his comeback to the competition. The Malaysian took revenge after the disappointment of Singapore, and won easily his semi-finals against N.8 Sony Kuncoro (INA) who defeated him the last week. Thus, Lee Chong Wei and Taufik Hidayat set a date for the world appointment of the coming next August in Paris. Final score: 21/19  21/8.

Another victory for N.3 Saina Nehwal (IND) in Women’s Singles, who get her 3rd title in 3 weeks. If we can relativize these results with the absence of female badminton’s leaders, we have to congratulate her notable performance in this tournament. In final, she claimed the title against the surprising N.26 Sayaka SATO (JPN) who defeated N.11 Mi Zhou (HKG). The Indian Champion showed we have to pay attention to her this summer in Paris. Final score: 21/19  13/21  21/11.

Same pairs, same result in Men’s Doubles where favourites Malaysians Kien Keat Koo / Boon Heong Tan (N.1) and Indonesians Markis Kido / Hendra Setiawan (N.4) failed again, respectively in quarter-finals and in the 2nd round. They let really opened the draw for unexpected pair. Lately, the N.13 Chieh Min Fang / Sheng Mu Lee (TPE) are in great shape and, after defeating N.4 Markis Kido / Hendra Setiawan and N.9 Howard Bach / Tony Gunawan (USA), they get the title against surprising Koreans Gun Woo Cho / Yi Goo Kwon (N.73). 13th in the World Ranking, Chieh Min Fang / Sheng Mu Lee won their 2nd  SuperSeries in 2 weeks and sowed doubt towards regular favourites. This is a good thing for suspense during next months. Final score: 21/16  21/15.

Favourites again of the Women’s Doubles with the absence of Chinese, the two Japanese pairs Miyuki Maeda / Satoko Suetsuna (N.6) and Mizuki Fujii / Reika Kakiiwa (N.8) didn’t succeed again to reach the final. This benefits to outsiders Min Jung Kim / Hyo Jung Lee (KOR), runner-up in Singapore, who defeated N.5 Wen Hsing Cheng / Yu Chin Chien (TPE). Final score: 21/12  12/21  21/11.

Surprise in the Mixed Doubles where Singapore’s finalist and big favourites of the tournament didn’t repeat the performance. The final confronted the N.5 Robert Mateusiak / Zieba Nadiezda (POL) to Hendra Setiawan (INA) / Anastasia Russkikh (RUS). Despite the public support, it is finally Poles who win a tight match. Final score: 21/18  22/20.

Find all scores on:  http://www.tournamentsoftware.com/sport/draws.aspx?id=54E12AA4-8931-463A-9F4E-7E41C4D0B503

After Indonesia’s SuperSeries with many surprises, players carry on competition in Jakarta for the Indonesia’s SuperSeries. Favourites are certainly eager to take their revenge and show their leadership for the last SuperSeries before the Yonex BWF World Championships 2010.

Favourites' revenge ?

After his suprising elimination in the Men’s Singles draw, N.1 (World ranking) Lee Chong Wei (MAS) will be really motivated to take his revenge. However, he could have to defeat Taufik Hidayat N.5 (INA) motivated to win this title at home and only a few weeks after being father again. But they are not the only two to pretend to claim the coveted title. With the absence of N.2 Lin Dan (CHN), N.3 Jin Chen (CHN) and N.4 Peter Gade (DEN), they have to pay attention to N.12 Sony Kuncoro (INA), finalist in Singapore.

In Women’s Singles, N.6 Saina Nehwal (IND) could win a 3rd title in 3 weeks (victory at the India Open and Singapore’s SuperSeries) if she wins this next Sunday. Favourite with the absence of female badminton’s leaders, she has to take care of all Indonesian women, at home and qualified for the second round.

On the contrary, the tournament promises to be tight in Men’s Doubles where Malaysians Kien Keat Koo / Boon Heong Tan (N.1) (qualified in quarter-finals) and Indonesians Markis Kido / Hendra Setiawan (N.3) would have their heart set on forgetting the defeat in Singapore. But the competition should be very hard for these pairs because they are in the same part of the draw than the two finalists of Singapore: N.20 Chieh Min Fang / Sheng Mu Lee (TPE) and N.13 Howard Bach / Tony Gunawan (USA).

Eliminated in the second round of the Women’s Doubles in Singapore, the two Japanese pairs Miyuki Maeda / Satoko Suetsuna (N.5) and Mizuki Fujii / Reika Kakiiwa (N.6) have the opportunity to redeem themselves. Furthermore, they will have to defeat Indonesian women and N.7 Petya Nedelcheva (Bulgaria) / Anastasia Russkikh (Russia).

In the Mixed Doubles we could witness the Singapore revenge match between N.2 Nova Widianto / Liliyana Natsir (INA) supported by all the audience, and Danish Thomas Laybourn / Kamilla Rytter Juhl (N.3). The final battle promises to be passionate.

Find all scores on: http://www.tournamentsoftware.com/sport/draws.aspx?id=54E12AA4-8931-463A-9F4E-7E41C4D0B503

credit photo : Badmintonphoto

Tickets of the Yonex BWF World Championships 2010 have been published and they are being sent to the address given during the order.

In order to celebrate this event, 100 tickets for the week-end will be put on sale again.

This exceptional sale is one of the last chances to get tickets in order to attend to this world badminton celebration!

Singapore’s SuperSeries finished this Sunday with unexpected finals after the defeat of favourites and outsiders. 63 days before the Yonex BWF World Championships 2010, these results are a caution for favourites who has already checked off the Parisian event as their main objective of the season.

What a surprise!

In the Men’s Singles draw everybody expected a duel between Lee Chong Wei (MAS) (N.1 world ranking) and Peter Gade (DEN) (N.4), but their defeats gave a surprising final. After defeating the Malaysian in the semi-finals, the Indonesian Sony Kuncoro (N.12), qualified for the final. He faced the Thai Boonsak Ponsana (N.9) who also eliminated Peter Gade in the semi-finals. After 46 minutes of a tight game, the Indonesian finally won the title and confidence before beginning the Indonesian SuperSeries at home. Final Score: 21/16  21/16.

Favourite for the Women’s Singles with the absence of the best Chinese, N.6 Saina Nehwal (India) didn’t crash out winning her final against the surprising Taiwanese Tzu Ying Tai (N.118). Thus she won back to back title after her victory for the India Open without any problem. These results are a good omen for the next months. Final score: 21/18  21/15.

On the contrary, big surprise for Men’s Doubles where the best players crashed out before the finals. So we witnessed an unexpected final between Americans Howard Bach / Tony Gunawan (N.13) and Taiwanese Chieh Min Fang / Sheng Mu Lee (N.20). After a mastered game, it is finally the Taiwanese pair which claimed the coveted title. Final score: 21/14  21/15.

Same thing for the Women’s Doubles where the favourites and outsiders didn’t succeed to qualify for the finals. After defeating Frenchwomen Laura Choinet / Weny Rasidi top-seed 8 in the tournament, Singaporeans Shinta Mulia Sari / Lei Yao (N.14), at home, created the surprise winning in the final against Koreans Min Jung Kim / Hyo Jung Lee and top-seed 5 of the competition. Final score: 21/17  22/20.

The Mixed Doubles was finally the only final without surprise between Danish Thomas Laybourn / Kamilla Rytter Juhl (N.3) and N.2 Nova Widianto / Liliyana Natsir. In spite of this big game, the Danish pair won easily after 2 sets and 33 minutes. Final score: 21/12  21/15.

See you tomorrow for the Indonesian's SuperSeries.

Find all scores on: http://www.tournamentsoftware.com/sport/matches.aspx?id=5E200010-1C05-4868-931C-95ED80F5F4BB&d=20100615

Find all information on: http://www.singaporebadmintonopen.sg/

photo credit : Badmintonphoto

Eurosport France units with Fédération Française de Badminton in order to broadcast in France the Yonex BWF World Championships 2010 which will take place from August 23rd to August 29th at the stade Pierre de Coubertin in Paris.

For this international meeting, Eurosport France will broadcast live more than 20 hours of badminton with two TV programs everyday at the beginning of the week.

To complete these live programs, the best moments of the tournament will be broadcasted Monday, August 30th.

9 TV cameras, managed by Euro Media Sport, will offer you amazing frames.

The Yonex BWF World Championship 2010 will be also broadcasted live in about twenty countries among the best Badminton's countries.

Expected programming :

As you know, Paris will be the Yonex Badminton World Championships BWF’s host. But, Paris will also receive the Fencing World Championships from 4th to 13th of November at the “Grand Palais”. It was the occasion for the two leaders of each sport to meet each other: Hongyan PI and the double Olympic Champion Laura FLESSEL. For the tv progamme “Tout le Sport”, Hongyan changed her racket to a sword and Laura slipped into a short skirt to try badminton.

A great advertising for the two sports which have ambassadors decided to shine in Paris!

The reporting broadcast is planned in August.

SuperSeries circuit resumed in Singapore after 3 month-breaks for the Singapore’s SuperSeries. After the amazing performance of Chinese’s players in Thomas and Uber Cup (respectively winner and runner-up) which has shown the great shape of China, they have chosen to not come to Singapore. These absences let the opportunity for outsiders to win a SuperSeries.

Without Lin Dan, Jin Chen and Taufik Hidayat, the title for Men's Singles is promised to a duel between Malaysian Lee Chong Wei (N.1 world ranking) and Danish Peter Gade (N.4) qualified in quarter-final, and who already faced against each other for the All England with a victory of the Malaysian one.

Usually dominated by Chinese’s players, Women's Singles seems to be more open than ever. Indeed, with the absence of Chinese ones, the title could be promised to the N.6 Saina Nehwal (India) after the defeat of the N.9 Mi Zhou (Hong-Kong), unless that Chinese Lan Lu (N.10) qualified in semi-final  take advantage of the situation in order to show her talent as one of the best of the World.

The Men's Doubles could be harder with presence of the best players. The final battle should be very tight between Danish Mathias BOE / Carsten MOGENSEN (N.4) and Indonesian Markis Kido / Hendra Setiawan (N.3) both qualified in semi-final. On the contrary, disappointment for Malaysian Kien Keat Koo / Boon Heong Tan (N.1) who did not access to quarter-final. Great performance also for American Howard BACH / Tony GUNAWAN (N.13) easily qualified in quarter-final.

In Women's Doubles, with the absence of the best Chinese Women and the unexpected defeats of the two Japanese duos Miyuki Maeda / Satoko Suetsuna (N.5) and Mizuki Fujii / Reika Kakiiwa (N.6), the surprising double N.7 Petya Nedelcheva (Bulgaria) / Anastasia Russkikh (Russia), runner-up at the 2010 European Championships and qualified in quarter-final, is favourite. However they have to take care of the two Korean duos, stronger after their victory in Uber Cup, and both qualified in quarter-final.

To finish, it will be tight for the Mixed Doubles between Danish Thomas Laybourn / Kamilla Rytter Juhl (N.3) qualified in semi-final and the two duos coming from Indonesia : N.2 Nova Widianto / Liliyana Natsir (qualified in quarter-final) and N.4 Hendra Aprida GUNAWAN / Vita MARISSA (qualified en semi-final).

Find scoring live on : http://www.tournamentsoftware.com/sport/matches.aspx?id=5E200010-1C05-4868-931C-95ED80F5F4BB&d=20100615

Find all information on  : http://www.singaporebadmintonopen.sg/

Meanwhile Yonex BWF World Championships 2010 in Paris at the end of August, international trainers’ conference will take place on Thursday 26, Friday 27 and 28 of August from 08:30 to 12:00. 

The topic “Badminton for under 10-year-old: different models” comes at the key moment of the specific French Young System’s launch.

(please find the program on http://www.ffba.org/formemp/actualite.php?act=lire&id=3369).

This conference will be translated simultaneously with audio headphones.

The rate is 90€ to attend to the Conference alone, and, for 90€ extra, you have also the possibility to buy category 1 tickets (special rate for the Coaches’ Conference participants) for the Yonex BWF World Championships 2010 for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

Attention! Registration will be done on a first come, first served basis and in the limits of the 120 spots available.

photo credit - Philippe Bouchon

June 15, the website will change into its summer version until the Yonex BWF World Championships 2010.

The website will be more complete, more interactive, more lively and will offer you news, pictures, videos, contests, schedules of local activities, and many other things during the whole summer.

So save the date, and be prepared to live the high-level badminton experience and be at the heart of the most important badminton event of the year.

Activities in the parisian streets began the last thursday (June, 3rd) with “Thursdays of Badminton”. For this occasion, everybody could practised  badminton outside for free. This operation still go on every week in June and until July, 8th.

Thus, the City Hall of the 2nd arrondissement of Paris opened  its courtyard where experts Andrea VANDERSTUKKEN and Thibaut WEISS gave advices to beginners.

Next to the City Hall, “place des Petits Pères” welcomed badminton lovers, families, people who has just finished working, or simple passers-by to enjoy badminton courts and equipments made available.

Other many animations are expected this summer until the Yonex BWF World Championships 2010.

Next dates, June 10, 17, 24 and July 1, 8 “place des Petits Pères” (Paris, 2nd arrondissement)

The finals phases of the Thomas and Uber Cup gave verdict this last Sunday in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia).

Big surprise in Uber Cup!

Chinese women have been overcome by surprising Koreans. Composed of « World’s best players », China had nevertheless confirmed its status of favourite staying unbeaten since the beginning of the tournament. After having inflicted in the group stages a 5-0 to the United States and Malaysia, even though playing at home, Chinese women players pursued in the quarter-finals and semifinals winning against India and Indonesia 3-0. More complicated for Korea, Korean women won against Russia in the quarter-finals (3-1) before earning its qualification for the final against Japan with the same score. Nevertheless, despite this statistics really in favour of China, Korea accomplished the unthinkable defeating the « almost invicible » Chinese and thus winning the first Uber Cup of their history.

However, the exploit is not due to luck. The Koreans started in the best manner possible winning their two first matches against No.1 Wang Yihan in women’s singles (beaten by Bae Heung See) and No.1 Ma/Wang in women’s doubles (beaten by the pair Lee Hyo Jung/Kim Jung Min). Despite the victory of Wang Xin against Sung, China was never able to catch up these important defeats. It’s Korea which gave the fatal deathblow by the intermediate of the pair Lee Kyung Won/Ha Jung Eun who won against Olympic Champions Du and Yu.

Men save China’s honour

Having attended powerless at the rout of their women compatriots during the Uber Cup final, the Chinese men led by Lin Dan wanted to avenge the women Chinese team. Mission accomplished by beating Indonesia in the final.

After this final opposing China to Indonesia, one thing is clear: China is the best team of the world. They didn’t concede a single point on their route to the final, either in the quarterfinals (victory 3-0 against Korea) or the semifinals (victory against Malaysia 3-0). That put them as logical favourites for the final victory. Even though the Indonesians followed the same path without conceding any point, logic has been respected with the victory of China 3-0.

The score can appear flattering but it reflects the domination of Chinese badminton in international tournaments. As a symbol, the final began with a recital of Lin Dan who, after beating No1. Lee Chong Wei in the semifinals, won easily against a Taufik Hidayat without any solution to counter the genius of « Super Dan ». Final score: 21 /7 21/14. Continuing its campaign, the pair Cai Yun/Fu Haifeng added a second point to China defeating Kido/Setiawan after a very tight match. Finally, it is Chen Jin who gave the victory to China defeating in 3 sets the Indonesian, Simon Santoso.

So, China leaves Kuala Lumpur with a gold and a silver medal, staying the World badminton best nation. But women defeat let see a small break in Chinese hegemony of the last years and send a message at the rest of the world: China is no longer unbeatable.

Nevertheless, between the women seeking immediate revenge and Lin Dan who openly announced during the press conference his goal to keep his World title in Paris this year, their opponents are informed, they must count on China during the Yonex World Championships BWF 2010.

Find the results here.

Podiums:

THOMAS CUP (men’s teams)

Gold: China

Silver: Indonesia

Bronze: Japan y Malaysia

UBER CUP (women’s teams)

Gold: Korea

Silver: China

Bronze: Japan y Indonesia

photo credit : Badmintonphoto

Paris

Le 12 Mai 2010

La Fédération Française de Badminton dévoile la liste des joueurs français qui participeront aux Yonex Championnats du Monde BWF 2010, à Paris, du 23 au 29 Août. A ce jour, cette liste doit encore être entérinée par la BWF.

A domicile et soutenue par un public attendu en masse, l’Equipe de France aura à cœur d’aller le plus loin possible dans la compétition. Hongyan PI, leader de l’Equipe de France, sera dans les meilleures conditions pour défendre sa médaille obtenue en 2009 et pourquoi pas monter sur la plus haute marche...

Composition de l’Equipe de France :

Baptiste CAREME (Double Hommes et Double Mixte)

Elisa CHANTEUR (Double Dames)

Laura CHOINET (Double Dames et Double Mixte)

Laurent CONSTANTIN (Double Hommes)

Lucas CORVEE (Doubles Hommes)

Audrey FONTAINE (Double Dames)

Joris GROSJEAN (Double Hommes)

Sylvain GROSJEAN (Double Hommes)

Ronan LABAR (Double Mixte)

Perrine LEBUHANIC (Simple Dames)

Brice LEVERDEZ (Simple Hommes)

Matthieu LO YING PING (Simples Hommes)

Marion LUTTMANN (Double Dames)

Barbara MATIAS (Double Dames)

Simon MAUNOURY (Simple Hommes)

Hongyan PI (Simple Dames)

Weny RASIDI (Double Dames et Double Mixte)

Sébastien VINCENT (Double Hommes)

Le rendez vous est pris pour nos français : du 23 au 29 août 2010 à Paris, au Stade Pierre de Coubertin.

Successful launching of the 3rd phase of Ticketing. In the first 24 hours, more than 1000 tickets have been sold.

. .

This week, the Yonex World Championships of badminton were displayed in the streets of Paris.

Almost 150 large-framed billboards showed the new visual of the tournament and informed Paris citizens about the event. Another campaign more important is planned for August.

A J-112 des Yonex Championnats du Monde (23 au 29 aout 2010), la Fédération a investi ce matin l’Hôtel de la Ville de la Mairie de Paris pour la conférence de presse de présentation de l’évènement. A cette occasion, les partenaires institutionnels et privés ont été mis en avant. La Mairie de Paris par la voix de Jean VUILLERMOZ,  adjoint au maire chargé des sports, s’est dit ravi d’accueillir dans ses « sublimes » salons la FFBA. Suivi du Vice-Président chargé des Sports de la région Ile-de-France Francis PARNY, puis de l’Etat représenté par Christian-Lucien MARTIN, ils ont tous confirmé leur soutien pour les Championnats du Monde devant une assemblée très fournie.

La conférence s’est ensuite poursuivie par l’intervention de Paul-André TRAMIER, président de la FFBA, qui a présenté le développement constant du badminton tout en précisant l’importance de l’héritage que devrait laisser la compétition internationale. Les autres interlocuteurs présents, Alain LEMOINE (en qualité de Directeur de l’organisation), Etienne THOBOIS (représentant la BWF) et Catherine CHOUISSA (représentant Yonex France) ont permis de rentrer directement dans les détails de l’organisation de l’évènement.

Les nombreux journalistes qui avaient également fait le déplacement ont profité de la présence des athlètes de l’Equipe de France (Hongyan PI, Laura CHOINET, Brice LEVERDEZ, Matthieu LO YING PING) pour réaliser de nombreuses interviews.

Une chose est certaine, les Yonex Championnats du Monde sont bels et bien lancés. N’oubliez pas, les derniers billets pour ce grand événement seront mis en vente dès demain 12h.

The final ticketing phase will start on Tuesday, 4 May 2010 at noon. At this occasion, the last tickets will be put up for sale, for every day and every category. Single tickets will be available at the normal rate. It’s your last chance to attend the Yonex BWF World Championships 2010 in Paris. Don’t miss this opportunity to buy your tickets. Tickets will be sent by registered mail from the end of May.

>> Go to the online ticketing

>> Selling terms and conditions

Lin Dan's first time!

As Manchester for Europe, New Delhi (India) organized the Badminton Asia Championships from 12th to 18th, in order to know the Asia Champions 2010.

First lesson, with the absence of No.1 Malaysian LEE Chong Wei, Lin Dan is back in favour. No.2 seed of the Asia Championships, the Chinese genius won the final against his compatriot Wang Zhengming 21/17 21/15. After an amazing week without any mistake (he won all his rounds with only 2 sets), “Super Dan” can be really happy, he became for the first time Asia Champion. After his three World Champion titles and his Olympic Gold Medal, Lin Dan obtained logically this title which he hasn’t succeeded to obtain since today. On the contrary, disillusion in the Men’s Single for Taufik HIDAYAT No.5, who didn’t reach quarter finals.

Outsiders’ celebration

Big surprise in the Women’s Single, with the absence of the best Chinese players, where we assisted to an unexpected final between two Chinese came from qualifications. After defeated respectively the Indian Saina NEHWAL No.1 seed and Mi ZHOU (Hong Kong) in semi finals, Xuerui Li and Xin Liu faced against each other towards a very tight final won by the first one. Final score: 21/13 18/21 21/19.

Without world leaders in the Men’s Double, it is finally the Korean Gun Woo Cho / Yeon Seong Yoo who defeated favourites Hung Ling Chen / Yu Lang Lin (Taiwan). Final score: 21/19 12/21 21/17.

Same situation for the Women’s Double. Without leaders, outsiders were free to win the title. Impressive in final, the Chinese duo Pan Pan / Qing Tian, No.6, didn’t let any opportunity to Vivian Kah Mun Hoo / Khe Wei Woon (Malaysia). Final score: 21/10 21/6.

To finish, other surprise of the day, the victory of the young Malaysian duo Peng Soon Chan / Liu Ying Goh faced to the Koreans Yeon Seong Yoo / Min Jung Kim. Final score: 21/17 20/22 21/19.

With the absence of many leaders, the main lesson of these Asia Championships is the great shape of Lin Dan. Just before the Thomas Cup of Kuala Lumpur in May, Lin Dan seems to be ready to defend his title of World Champion in Paris the next August.

Denmark reigns suprem in Europ

After a five-day competition, we know the 2010 European Champions. With a growing European badminton, the competition promised to be thigh, but there wasn’t surprise with finals between favourites.

In great shape, Peter GADE overpowered his compatriot Jan Ø. JøRGENSEN after 2 sets for the Men’s Single. He showed that he will be one the favourite of the Yonex World Championships BWF 2010. Final score: 21/14  21/11.

Tighter for the Women’s Single, we saw a high-level final between Tine RASMUSSEN (Denmark) and Juliane SCHENK (Germany). We had to wait 3 sets and almost one hour to have a winner between these two ladies. With her experience, the Danish one finally won and became, for the first time in spite of her amazing career, European Champion. Final score: 21/19  14/21  21/18.

Same result for the Men’s and Women’s Doubles with the victory of the No.2 seed against the No.1 seed. Thus, the Danes PAASKE / RASMUSSEN defeated their compatriots BOE / MOGENSEN (final score: 24/22  22/20). For the Women, it’s the Russian Double SOROKINA / VISLOVA which became Champion against the duo NEDELCHEVA (Bulgaria) / RUSSKIKH (Russia). Final score 21/18  21/14.

To finish, we assisted to another victory of favourites for the Mixed Double. The Pole duo, No.2 seed, didn’t succeed to defeat the No.1 seed LAYBOURN / RYTTER JUHL (Denmark) despite 3 sets and one hour. Final score : 21/19  18/21  21/12.

Denmark won 4 of the 5 European Champion’s title, and confirmed its leadership in Europe. Champions in their continent, they will be the best European representatives for the Yonex World Championships BWF 2010 of the next August.

Waiting for the World Championships of the next summer, the best European players has been faced against each other since Wednesday, to be one of the 2010 European Champions. This year it is Manchester (England) which is welcoming players of all Europe for the competition.

Half way report

Favourite for the Men’s Singles after his great first part of the season, Peter GADE (Denmark) must beware his compatriot Jan Ø. JøRGENSEN, the second seed, who reached the quarter finals easily.

However, the Women’s Singles seems to be very tight. The top-seed, Hongyan PI (France), began the competition by the best way with her easy qualification for the quarter finals. She showed that she is able to win the European title unless Julian SCHENK (Germany), who has already defeated her, stands in the French player’s way. As Hongyan PI, Tine RASMSSEN (Denmark), who won the Yonex All england Open 2010, is qualified for quarter finals and want to add an European title to her big Trophy Room. To finish, Jie YAO (Netherlands) could also disrupt favourites’ projects.

With a Danish leadership, the Men’s Doubles seems to be tight between BOE / MOGENSEN and PAASKE / RASMUSSEN.

On the contrary, it is very open for the Women’s Doubles. If NEDELCHEVA (Bulgaria) / RUSSKIKH (Russia) and the Russian double SOROKINA / VISLOVA are favourites, French players Laura CHOINET and Weny RASIDI* could create a surprise.

For the Mixed Double, LAYBOURN / RYTTER JUHL (Denmark), and MATEUSIAK / KOSTIUCZYK (Poland) are favourites, but ROBERTSON / WALLWORK (England) qualified for the quarter finals too seem to be able to win the European Title.

To finish, this major badminton event is also a way for players to win their ticket for the Yonex World Championships BWF 2010. Indeed, every European Champion is automatically qualified for the World Event of the next August.

*Bride’s name of Weny RAHMAWATI.

Only one month remains to enjoy club members prices and to be able to buy packs. Indeed, in may all tickets will be sold at the public price and the packs offer will no longer be available.

.

.

This Monday 29^th of March, French badminton players went in Colombes (near suburbs of Paris) to meet children of an elementary school. Organized for the promotion of the Yonex World Championships BWF 2010 (August 23^rd-29^th) in Paris, this event was a real success for the children and the athletes who enjoyed the warm and friendly mood.

.

Through 3 workshops, children practiced badminton with Laura Choinet, enjoyed a course with Baptiste Carême (Choinet’s partner in the mixed doubles in which they are National Champions in 2010), and tried to defeat Matthieu Lo Ying Ping (French N°2 in the mens’ singles).

After almost an hour of playful activities, the French stars performed in an exhibition game in front of the fascinated audience.

The morning ended with an interview session where the questions were prepared by the children which preceded an autograph session for the whole class.

J-150 avant les Yonex Championnats du Monde BWF 2010. Les meilleurs joueurs de badminton se préparent pour l’évènement en s’affrontant lors du circuit le plus relevé du badminton mondial : les SuperSeries. Mais c’est également tout un pays qui s’apprête à accueillir cette manifestation d’envergure internationale. Partout en France de nombreuses animations ont déjà eu lieu. D’autres sont prévues ces prochains mois en s’intensifiant jusqu’au 23 Août.

What a surprise for the Swiss SuperSerie ! After a high-level All England with tight finals between the best badminton players of the world, the Swiss stage brought a lot of surprises. Most of the favorites beaten, the outsiders were free to win the title. This situation benefited to China and Korea which won respectively 3 and 2 titles. With the absence of the No.1 player, the competition in men’s singles promised to be tight between the outsiders who suddenly became favorites. But neither Taufik HIDAYAT (No.4), ousted in the 2^nd round, nor Lin DAN (No.2), beaten in the quarter-finals by Peter GADE (No.5) who himself was knocked-out in the semi-finals, succeeded in taking the opportunity to win a first SuperSerie this year. So it’s the current No.4 Jin CHEN who won against another CHEN (Long) No.10 in the world. A similar story occured in the women’s singles, where favorite Yihan WANG (No.1) didn’t get beyond the 2^nd round. With the early exit of the No.1 player and the absence of Tine RASMUSSEN, there were finally two Chinese players in the final. After 2 sets and 40 minutes, Shixian WANG defeated Yanjiao JIANG (No.4). Big surprise in the men’s doubles, where the No.1 KOO/TAN (Malaysia), widely favorites for the final, were finally beaten by the unexpected KO/YOO (Korea). The women’s doubles saw another Chinese victory. Opponents during the All England, Qing TIAN and Yang YU got together for the Swiss Open and went all the way to win the title against the Japanese duo MAEDA/SUETSUNA (No.5). Finally it’s in the mixed doubles where the ranking was respected with the victory of No.2 seed, the Koreans LEE/LEE who defeated in the final their compatriots SHIN/YOO. Next step for the SuperSeries, June 15th– 20th in Singapore City, and then SuperSerie of India in Jakarta from June 22nd-27th. These two tournaments would be very important for players to win one of the last chances to participate to the Yonex World Championships BWF in Paris.

After a high-level Yonex All England Open, the next step of the SuperSeries began Tuesday in Switzerland with the qualification round. Yesterday the favorites entered the competition to win a prestigious title of the major badminton’s circuit.

Winner of the three first SuperSeries, Chong Wei LEE (Malaysia), No.1, didn’t take part in the Swiss tournament. Therefore the competition promises to be tight between the Danish Peter GADE (No.5), semifinalist of the All England, and the stars Taufik HIDAYAT (No.4) and Lin DAN (No.2). Runner-up four days ago, the Japanese Kenichi TAGO could confirm his great performance of Birmingham. For the women, Yihan WANG (No.1) is favorite with the absence of Tine RASMUSSEN, who defeated the Chinese during the All England’s final. But there are also other candidates such as Lu Lan (No.6), No.8 Mi ZHOU, and the French Hongyan PI (No.5). In the men’s doubles, the 100% Danish final of the last SuperSerie shows that the Danes are in great shape. But No.1, the Korean JUNG/LEE No.2 and the Indonesian KIDO/SETIAWAN (No.3) want to take revenge winning the title. With the Chinese demonstration during the All England (four Chinese doubles at the four first positions), the women’s doubles could be win again for China, unless the Malaysian CHIN/WONG (No.4) disrupt the Chinese leadership. To finish, the mixed doubles is going to be close with three of the four BWF ranking leaders in the tournament.”

Website of the event: http://www.swissopen.com/index.php?id=1&L=1 To follow results live: http://www.tournamentsoftware.com/sport/tournament.aspx?id=2E568925-AFC2-48D0-872F-344AA84F6220

2010-03-15 - Tout le Sport France3 - All England

Une équipe de France 3  était présente lors du dernier Yonex All England Open. Le reportage présente l'une des compétitions les "plus prestigieuses", avant de suivre Hongyan Pi, venue à ce tournoi en vue de préparer les Championnats du Monde parisiens d'Août prochain.

Pour voir la vidéo, suivez le lien: http://www.youtube.com/user/FFBAdminton#p/a/u/0/k9difZA0XOc.

.

The 100th edition of the Yonex All England Open finished on a crowing moment with the victory of the best players of the moment in amazing finals.

Chong Wei LEE (Malaysia), No.1, confirms that he is the man of the 2010 Super Series. After his two victories for the first two Super Series of the year (in Korea and Malaysia), he defeated first the Danish Peter GADE (No.5) in the semi-finals, and next won in the final against the promising Japanese Kenichi TAGO 21/19 21/19. For the women, we had the same final as last year between Tine RASMUSSEN (Denmark) and the Chinese Yihan WANG (No.1). But this year, the scenario changed with the victory of the Danish star 21/14 18/21 21/19, taking her revenge from the 99th edition. In the women’s doubles, the 2008 Olympic Champions Jing DU and Yang YU (No.1), won an important title against their compatriots Shu  CHENG / Yunlei ZHAO (No.3) after three sets 20/22  21/16  21/13.

In the men’s doubles, there was no surprise in the 100% Danish final. Mathias BOE / Carsten MOGENSEN (No.4), favourites of the final, captured the title after 90 minutes against Lars PASSKE / Jonas RASMUSSEN 21/23  21/19  26/24.

This amazing day started with the mixed doubles where we assisted to another outstanding 3 sets match in which the Chinese Nan ZHANG / Yunlei ZHAO unexpectedly won  against the No.1 and favourites Indonesian Nova WIDIANTO / Liliyana NATSIR 21/18  23/25  21/18.

Next step, March 16th for the Swiss Open Super Serie.

The SuperSeries tour go on his itinerary by a stage in Europe with the Yonex All England Open Championships. Within the National Indoor Arena located in Birmingham, the second largest city of the United Kingdom, the oldest international tournament of badminton celebrates this year its 100^th edition.

For this world badminton event, the best players will take part in the tournament as the top 8 seeds of each category are present: Lee Chong Wei, Lin Dan, Peter Gade and many other for the men’s singles, Yihan Wang, Lin Wang and others for the women’s singles are some of the stars, among others,  that will compete in Birmingham this year.

This edition is a great opportunity for these Champions to face each other for a title that will let them go down in history, but also to have a first test for the upcoming Yonex World Championships BWF in Paris.

Website of the event: http://www.allenglandbadminton.com/index.htm

To follow results live: http://www.tournamentsoftware.com/sport/tournament.aspx?id=BC74159A-75FE-4310-B192-8AE684721561

Yonex will accompany the BWF World Championships in Paris and will give this event a dazzling touch. Indeed the brand will be title sponsor of the tournament and its relationship with the French Federation of Badminton has, again, grown stronger.

According to Catherine Chouissa: “It was natural to associate closely Yonex with these prestigious Championships. We have several years of experience as key partner of the French stage of the SuperSeries circuit, the Badminton French Open, and we wanted to take part in this major event of badminton”. YONEX is the leader on the French and the World market of badminton.

Paul-André Tramier, the President of the FFBA, is very pleased about this announcement: “This partnership is a good omen for French badminton. The Badminton World Federation had already rewarded our efforts granting us, for the first time, the organization of the World Championships. And now it’s Yonex’ turn, which, by embarking on this project alongside the FFBA, recognizes the emergence of badminton in France and the international influence of the event. We really want to make this World Championships the celebration expected by the international badminton community, the French public, and by our 140 000 members.

You can still apply to become a volunteer at the 2010 Badminton World Championships. The Organizing Committee has decided to extend by a week the period of applications. You have until Monday February 22^nd to send us, by post or email, the Application Form filled in.

Just to remind you, the World Championships will take place from the 23^rd to the 29^th of August and the volunteers’ missions will start between the 16^th and the 22^nd of August depending on the sectors and the training schedules that will be set up later on.

You will find all the latest news as well as the application form here.

One week after the opening of ticketing for all, tickets for the BWF World Championships 2010 are being sold very quickly.

"Adrenaline" packs are already sold out, and there is no more category 1 tickets for  Saturday 28th August. Single tickets are still available for all other categories.

Don't wait : to be sure to attend this world badminton party, book now !

Ces dernières semaines, la majorité des Championnats nationaux  édition 2010 ont eu lieu en Europe. Tous les nouveaux Champions représenteront ainsi leur pays lors des Championnats du monde 2010 à Paris. Récapitulatif des Champions européens 2010 par ici.

(en photo : Brice Leverdez, Champion de France 2010 en simple hommes) . . . .

D-200 before the BWF World Championships! Dont' forget to save the date and buy your tickets starting from tomorrow.

To celebrate both the D-200 milestone and the opening day of the Badminton French Championships, tomorrow, Friday 5th of February will see the launch of the single tickets sale for the Badminton Family as well as the General Public.

See you all in Paris in 200 days!

Second step of the SuperSeries : Malaysia. Like in Korea, Malaysia’s Chong Wei LEE (No.1) claims a sixth Malaysia Open title against the Thai Boonsak PONSANA (No.12) 21/13 21/7. The Chinese Xin WANG (No.10) wins against the Korean Youn Joo BAE (No.61) 19/21 21/17 14/6 walk-over.

In the women’s doubles, China asserts its superiority with a final a 100% Chinese, where Jing DU / Yang YU (No.3) defeats the World No.1 Jing MA / Xiaoli WANG 21/16 21/12.

In the men’s doubles, the Malaysian pair Kean Keat KOO / Boon Heong TAN (No.1) captures the title in the sold-out Putra Stadium with 6,000 local fans against the Chinese duo Zhendong GUO / Chen XU (No.7) 21/15 17/21 21/16.

To finish, Chinese Jiaming TAO / Yamen ZHANG (No.38) beat Danish Thomas LAYBOURN / Kamilla RYTTER JUHL in the mixed doubles 19/21 21/18 21/15.

Next step March 9th for the All England.

Let's head to Korea for the first SuperSeries of the year. For this first step the World No.1 Chong Wei LEE (Malaysia) confirms his ranking winning against the Danish Peter GADE (No.4) 21/12  21/11. For the women the Chinese Shixian WANG (No.9) defeats the Korean Hyun Sung JI (No.58) 21/10 25/23.

In the women’s doubles, the Chinese Shu CHENG / Yunlei ZHAO (No.2) beat the Japanese Mizuki FUJII / Reika KAKIIWA (No.9) after two sets 21/16  21/15.

In the men’s doubles, the Koreans Jae Sung JUNG / Yong Dae LEE (No. 3) capture the title after a three-set win over the Chinese Yun CAI / Haifeng FU (No. 5) 21/11 14/21 21/18.

The mixed doubles show again the supremacy of the Chinese with the duo Hanbin HE / Yang YU (No.3) who wins against Jiaming TAO / Yamen ZHANG (No.38) 21/15 21/16.

Towards the 2010 BWF World Championships

Video made during the Yonex French Super Series 2009.

The recruitment process of the volunteers for the 2010 World Championships has been officially launched. You will find all the information you need and the application form to download on the following link.

The application form has to be filled in and sent back to the FFBA before the 15th of February.

We are looking forward to receiving your application forms !

The French Federation of Badminton (FFBa) wishes you all a happy new year. See you all during the 2010 World Championships in Paris!

L’identité visuelle des Championnats du Monde 2010 a été dévoilée.

Composée d’un logo et d’un visuel, celle-ci va être déclinée sur l’ensemble des supports de communication et de promotion de l’événement. Le logo, symbole d’universalité, d’équilibre et de convergence permettra une identification forte. Le visuel mettant en scène une joueuse et un joueur par un traitement artistique illustre la modernité et la mixité du badminton. Des affiches, kakémonos et stands de présentation ont déjà été réalisés pour une première exposition de la compétition.