Park Joo-bong
ODENSE: Coaching maestro Park Joo-bong has all the credentials to lead the Badminton World Federation (BWF) as the president but that’s not what he wants.
Joo-bong is just hoping for the world body to relook at some of their rules – especially in organising back-to-back tournaments and review the hectic schedule for the players.
Joo-bong says it’s hard for players to maintain their physical condition when they play too many matches.
“There is a high risk of players getting injured frequently if we don’t change the hectic schedule for players,” said Joo-bong, whose coaching stint with Japan will end soon after 20 years of service.
Joo-bong’s suggestion is for the BWF to revert and start every tournament on Wednesday.
“Just look at the recent back-to-back tournaments. The Arctic Open ended on Sunday, players travel on Monday, and the competition in the Denmark Open starts on Tuesday,” said Joo-bong.
“Why don’t the BWF start the tournament on Wednesday? It will give players some break. They should increase the number of courts from three currently to four or even five so that we can finish all the first round matches on Wednesday, the same day.”
Currently, the first round matches are split over two days.
Usually though, all those who reach the finals on Sunday, will get to play the first round of the subsequent tournament on Wednesday.
The Korean also hopes the world body will be lenient with the rule that makes it compulsory for the top 15 players to compete in the Super 750 and Super 1000 tournaments.
“Even if these top players are genuinely injured, they still have to show up at the tournament. We can do away with this so that players can have complete rest to heal and recover.”
Joo-bong however, is pleased with what the world body had done in terms of prize money for the players. The World Tour Finals, for instance, offer US$1.5mil total prize money.
“I’ve been in the badminton scene since the 80s era, and I’m happy to see players being rewarded with better perks. And it should be increased gradually,” said Joo-bong.
“The world body are making lots of money from organising tournaments and it’s only right that the players get the biggest portion from their profit.”
