History Beckons Zhang Nan

Zhang Nan will have his eye on history when the TOTAL BWF World Championships 2019 begin in Basel.

Hendra Setiawan can draw level with former teammate Liliyana Natsir if he wins the gold in Basel.

The Chinese great, should he capture the men’s doubles gold with Liu Cheng, will climb level on the all-time highest list with Park Joo Bong, Lin Dan and his former partner Zhao Yunlei as a five-time winner.

Still only 29, time is on Zhang’s side, but recent form is not. While Zhang/Liu have done little of note since the Fuzhou China Open last year – they were semifinalists – they will recall that their gold medal win in 2017, and their bronze medal last year were far from foregone conclusions, considering their average form in the run-up to both events. Zhang and Liu have qualified in ninth place on the rankings of the eligibility date (Tuesday 30 April 2019).

Nevertheless, Zhang and Liu will be in the shadow of compatriots Li Jun Hui and Liu Yu Chen, who have been able to strike form at big events. Their World Championships win last year was followed by their triumph at the high-profile HSBC BWF World Tour Finals, before they led China to the Sudirman Cup title.

Two other Chinese pairs have qualified – French Open champions Han Cheng Kai/Zhou Hao Dong and Fuzhou China Open runners-up He Ji Ting/Tan Qiang.

World No.1 duo Marcus Fernaldi Gideon and Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo are at the head of four Indonesian qualifiers. While the ‘Minions’ will be hoping to end their jinx at the Worlds, senior compatriots Mohammad Ahsan/Hendra Setiawan will be looking to push on with what has been a dream season so far. A win for the duo will see Setiawan draw level with former compatriot Liliyana Natsir and four others on four gold medals.

The other Indonesians hoping to make an impact will be Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto and Berry Angriawan/Hardianto Hardianto.

Japan have never won a men’s doubles title at the Worlds and will be hoping one of their four pairs can make it this time – last year’s runners-up Takeshi Kamura/Keigo Sonoda; Asian champions Yuta Watanabe/Hiroyuki Endo; Takuto Inoue/Yuki Kaneko and Takuro Hoki/Yugo Kobayashi.

Can Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik repeat their performance from the All England?

Among other big names are Denmark’s Kim Astrup/Anders Skaarup Rasmussen; Malaysia’s All England runners-up Aaron Chia/Soh Wooi Yik, Goh V Shem/Tan Wee Kiong and Ong Yew Sin/Teo Ee Yi; European Games champions Marcus Ellis/Chris Langridge, Russia’s Vladimir Ivanov/Ivan Sozonov and India’s Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty.

Japan are a formidable force in women’s doubles, and with four pairs having qualified within the top seven rankings, they will be confident of a strong show.

China have a balance of experience and youth. Resurgent pair Chen Qing Chen/Jia Yi Fan lead their challenge, backed by young stars Du Yue/Li Yin Hui; Li Wen Mei/Zheng Yu and Dong Wen Jing/Feng Xue Ying.

Korea will count on Lee So Hee/Shin Seung Chan and Kim So Yeong/Kong Hee Yong to repeat 1995 – when Gil Young Ah/Jang Hye Ock won Korea’s first – and only – women’s doubles title.

Kim So Yeong (right) and Kong Hee Yong are one of Korea’s two contending pairs.

Europe’s contenders include Sara Thygesen/Maiken Fruergaard (Denmark), Anne Tran/Emilie Lefel (France), Selena Piek/Cheryl Seinen (Netherlands) and Chloe Birch/Lauren Smith (England), while Australia will be boosted by the recent Canada Open win of Gronya Somerville/Setyana Mapasa.

In mixed doubles, the form book is overwhelmingly in favour of China’s Zheng Si Wei/Huang Ya Qiong, who qualified in first place, followed by Wang Yi Lyu/Huang Dong Ping.

Among the few pairs to have beaten Zheng/Huang are Japan’s Yuta Watanabe/Arisa Higashino, Thailand’s Dechapol Puavaranukroh/Sapsiree Taerattanachai and Malaysia’s Chan Peng Soon/Goh Liu Ying, all of whom have qualified in the top five.

Dechapol Puavaranukroh (left) and Sapsiree Taerattanachai celebrate their Singapore Open win.

Puavarnukroh and Taerattanachai will take heart from their Singapore Open victory, while Chan/Goh will seek to build on the momentum from their title in New Zealand.

Two other Malaysian pairs – Goh Soon Huat/Shevon Jemie Lai and Tan Kian Meng/Lai Pei Jing – have also had encouraging performances this season.

Indonesia, recovering from the post-Liliyana Natsir era, have prominent names in Hafiz Faizal/Gloria Emanuelle Widjaja and Praveen Jordan/Melati Daeva Oktavianti, while England will sense a great opportunity this time, considering the form of European Games winners Marcus Ellis/Lauren Smith. Chris Adcock and Gabrielle Adcock haven’t had the best of seasons so far, and will hope they can turn it around in Basel.

Robin Tabeling (left) and Selena Piek have been in good form this season.

Dutch duo Robin Tabeling/Selena Piek have hit the high notes since they came together this year; they were unbeaten in the Sudirman Cup and could cause damage to bigger reputations.

Other pairs, such as Germany’s Marvin Seidel/Linda Efler and Mark Lamsfuss/Isabel Herttrich; India’s Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/Ashwini Ponnappa, Denmark’s Niclas Nohr/Sara Thygesen and Chinese Taipei’s Wang Chi-Lin/Cheng Chi Ya could also cause ripples in the draw.

World Championships News

Lessons Learnt, Parting Perspectives

Lessons Learnt, Parting Perspectives

14 September 2019
Kidambi Srikanth – A Search for Form

Kidambi Srikanth – A Search for Form

13 September 2019
Momota, in the Eyes of his Opponents

Momota, in the Eyes of his Opponents

12 September 2019
Recap: Upsets at the World Championships

Recap: Upsets at the World Championships

10 September 2019
Recap: Memorable Matches of the World Championships

Recap: Memorable Matches of the World Championships

8 September 2019
Highlights of the World Championships

Highlights of the World Championships

7 September 2019
Played ‘Two’ Perfection – Basel 2019

Played ‘Two’ Perfection – Basel 2019

4 September 2019
Badminton, Ice Hockey and the World Championships

Badminton, Ice Hockey and the World Championships

4 September 2019
Three-Event Titan – 25th Edition World C’ships

Three-Event Titan – 25th Edition World C’ships

3 September 2019
Legends of ’77 – 25th Edition World C’Ships

Legends of ’77 – 25th Edition World C’Ships

31 August 2019
Para Badminton Event Comes to a Close – Basel 2019

Para Badminton Event Comes to a Close – Basel 2019

27 August 2019
Wristy Trickery Wins the Day – Basel 2019

Wristy Trickery Wins the Day – Basel 2019

26 August 2019
Great Comeback Falls Short – Basel 2019

Great Comeback Falls Short – Basel 2019

26 August 2019
Mixed Doubles ‘Great Wall’ Intact – Basel 2019

Mixed Doubles ‘Great Wall’ Intact – Basel 2019

26 August 2019
Antonsen Bows to Momota’s Class – Basel 2019

Antonsen Bows to Momota’s Class – Basel 2019

25 August 2019
Gold – At Last! – Basel 2019

Gold – At Last! – Basel 2019

25 August 2019
Poveda Makes It a First for Peru – Basel 2019

Poveda Makes It a First for Peru – Basel 2019

25 August 2019
Legend Who Broke Records and Paved the Way for Future Stars – 25th Edition World C’Ships

Legend Who Broke Records and Paved the Way for Future Stars –...

25 August 2019
Ray’s a Real Sport – 25th Edition World C’Ships

Ray’s a Real Sport – 25th Edition World C’Ships

25 August 2019
China Take Two Gold – Basel 2019

China Take Two Gold – Basel 2019

25 August 2019
‘Upsetting’ Night for China – Basel 2019

‘Upsetting’ Night for China – Basel 2019

24 August 2019
Antonsen’s ‘Insane’ Dream – Basel 2019

Antonsen’s ‘Insane’ Dream – Basel 2019

24 August 2019
Glasgow ’17 on the Cards – Basel 2019

Glasgow ’17 on the Cards – Basel 2019

24 August 2019
Five Down, Seventeen to Go – Basel 2019

Five Down, Seventeen to Go – Basel 2019

24 August 2019
Sindhu Assures Herself: Tomorrow Will Be Different

Sindhu Assures Herself: Tomorrow Will Be Different

24 August 2019
Para Badminton Athletes Turn It Up a Notch – Basel 2019

Para Badminton Athletes Turn It Up a Notch – Basel 2019

24 August 2019
Flaming Dane Set Courts Aglow – 25th Edition World C’Ships

Flaming Dane Set Courts Aglow – 25th Edition World C’Ships

24 August 2019
Antonsen Delivers for Europe – Basel 2019

Antonsen Delivers for Europe – Basel 2019

23 August 2019
Du/Li Stand Tall After 2-Hour Epic – Basel 2019

Du/Li Stand Tall After 2-Hour Epic – Basel 2019

23 August 2019
Kantaphon Leads Thailand’s Record Haul – Basel 2019

Kantaphon Leads Thailand’s Record Haul – Basel 2019

23 August 2019
Sensational Session for India – Basel 2019

Sensational Session for India – Basel 2019

23 August 2019
Tall Order for Standing Men – Basel 2019

Tall Order for Standing Men – Basel 2019

23 August 2019
Crowd Pleasing Superstar – 25th Edition World C’Ships

Crowd Pleasing Superstar – 25th Edition World C’Ships

23 August 2019
Teenage Shuttler Meets His Idol – Basel 2019

Teenage Shuttler Meets His Idol – Basel 2019

23 August 2019
Wheelchair Top Seed Toppled – Basel 2019

Wheelchair Top Seed Toppled – Basel 2019

23 August 2019
‘Two’ Much Trouble! – Basel 2019

‘Two’ Much Trouble! – Basel 2019

22 August 2019
Intanon Survives Scare – Basel 2019

Intanon Survives Scare – Basel 2019

22 August 2019
BWF Statement – TOTAL BWF World Championships 2019

BWF Statement – TOTAL BWF World Championships 2019

22 August 2019
Belated Birthday Blitz! – Basel 2019

Belated Birthday Blitz! – Basel 2019

22 August 2019
Back Problem Doesn’t Stall Jia Min – Basel 2019

Back Problem Doesn’t Stall Jia Min – Basel 2019

22 August 2019
Girl Power – Basel 2019

Girl Power – Basel 2019

22 August 2019
Group Rounds Move into Main Draw – Basel 2019

Group Rounds Move into Main Draw – Basel 2019

22 August 2019
Lessons from the Seventies – 25th Edition World C’Ships

Lessons from the Seventies – 25th Edition World C’Ships

22 August 2019
Women Getting in Gear – Basel 2019

Women Getting in Gear – Basel 2019

21 August 2019
German Shock for Fifth Seeds – Basel 2019

German Shock for Fifth Seeds – Basel 2019

21 August 2019
I Feel at Home says Mroz – Basel 2019

I Feel at Home says Mroz – Basel 2019

21 August 2019
The Power of the Mind – Basel 2019

The Power of the Mind – Basel 2019

21 August 2019
Minions Crash Land at Worlds Yet Again – Basel 2019

Minions Crash Land at Worlds Yet Again – Basel 2019

21 August 2019
Suzuki Banks on Experience Over Age – Basel 2019

Suzuki Banks on Experience Over Age – Basel 2019

21 August 2019
Nagahara ‘Mixing It Up’ – Basel 2019

Nagahara ‘Mixing It Up’ – Basel 2019

20 August 2019
Jia Min Ousts Top Seed – Basel 2019

Jia Min Ousts Top Seed – Basel 2019

20 August 2019
Lin’s Challenge Sputters Out – Basel 2019

Lin’s Challenge Sputters Out – Basel 2019

20 August 2019
Mazur On Track to Retain Crown – Basel 2019

Mazur On Track to Retain Crown – Basel 2019

20 August 2019
Trading One Set of Wheels for Another

Trading One Set of Wheels for Another

20 August 2019
Ouseph Exits Stage, Bids Goodbye – Basel 2019

Ouseph Exits Stage, Bids Goodbye – Basel 2019

19 August 2019
Chou Survives Danish Test  – Basel 2019

Chou Survives Danish Test – Basel 2019

19 August 2019
A Title Dedicated to a Battle Against Cancer

A Title Dedicated to a Battle Against Cancer

19 August 2019
Draw Provides an Even Playing Field for All

Draw Provides an Even Playing Field for All

18 August 2019
Para-llel Event a Unique Experience for Badminton Fraternity

Para-llel Event a Unique Experience for Badminton Fraternity

18 August 2019
An Occasion to Cherish for Jaquet – Basel 2019

An Occasion to Cherish for Jaquet – Basel 2019

18 August 2019
‘100 Watt Smash’ that Lit Up Lausanne – 25th Edition World C’Ships

‘100 Watt Smash’ that Lit Up Lausanne – 25th Edition World C’Ships

17 August 2019
Preview: Worlds of Opportunity

Preview: Worlds of Opportunity

17 August 2019
By Chou’s Side

By Chou’s Side

16 August 2019
Satwik/Chirag to Miss World Championships

Satwik/Chirag to Miss World Championships

16 August 2019
Indian Pair Blazes a Trail

Indian Pair Blazes a Trail

15 August 2019
Awesome Threesome of SU5 – Para Badminton World C’Ships

Awesome Threesome of SU5 – Para Badminton World C’Ships

14 August 2019
Life Lessons, From Coach Kim Ji Hyun

Life Lessons, From Coach Kim Ji Hyun

14 August 2019
Free of Pressure, Antonsen Senses His Chance

Free of Pressure, Antonsen Senses His Chance

13 August 2019
Ahsan/Hendra Play it Cool Despite Hot Form

Ahsan/Hendra Play it Cool Despite Hot Form

11 August 2019
England Duo Anticipate Fruitful Week in Basel

England Duo Anticipate Fruitful Week in Basel

10 August 2019
Women’s Singles Re-Draw – TOTAL BWF World Championships 2019

Women’s Singles Re-Draw – TOTAL BWF World Championships 2019

9 August 2019
Winny Will Need Support: Liliyana Natsir

Winny Will Need Support: Liliyana Natsir

8 August 2019
Sports Upbringing Gives Edge to Poveda

Sports Upbringing Gives Edge to Poveda

7 August 2019
World Championships Draw Released

World Championships Draw Released

5 August 2019
Marin, Shi Join Axelsen on Sidelines

Marin, Shi Join Axelsen on Sidelines

5 August 2019
New Para Badminton Chapter Unfolds in Basel

New Para Badminton Chapter Unfolds in Basel

1 August 2019
Injured Axelsen Withdraws From World Championships

Injured Axelsen Withdraws From World Championships

31 July 2019
From Malmo to Basel – 25th Edition World C’Ships

From Malmo to Basel – 25th Edition World C’Ships

30 July 2019
Famous Five and the Good Old Days – 25th Edition World C’Ships

Famous Five and the Good Old Days – 25th Edition World C’Ships

19 July 2019
Revisiting a Hero: Sigit Budiarto

Revisiting a Hero: Sigit Budiarto

11 July 2019
Chen To Lead China’s Charge

Chen To Lead China’s Charge

9 July 2019
19 Days Left To Register for World Coaching Conference

19 Days Left To Register for World Coaching Conference

26 June 2019
Marin on the Mend and Eyes Return

Marin on the Mend and Eyes Return

22 June 2019
Two Months To Go – World C’Ships Countdown

Two Months To Go – World C’Ships Countdown

19 June 2019
Li & Liu – Stepping Up When It Matters

Li & Liu – Stepping Up When It Matters

7 June 2019
Ivanov & Sozonov Rekindle The Fire

Ivanov & Sozonov Rekindle The Fire

3 June 2019
Tien Minh – Veteran Still Chasing His Dreams

Tien Minh – Veteran Still Chasing His Dreams

2 June 2019
Confidence Boost for Dutch Duo

Confidence Boost for Dutch Duo

1 June 2019
Matsumoto & Nagahara: Rapid Ascent to Pinnacle

Matsumoto & Nagahara: Rapid Ascent to Pinnacle

8 May 2019
Tai Eases into Top Gear

Tai Eases into Top Gear

25 April 2019
Zhao Yunlei Star Speaker at Coaching Conference

Zhao Yunlei Star Speaker at Coaching Conference

24 April 2019
‘The Physical Level Has Gone Up’

‘The Physical Level Has Gone Up’

22 April 2019
Memories of Lausanne 1995

Memories of Lausanne 1995

20 April 2019
Momota Sets the Pace, but Speedbreakers Lurk

Momota Sets the Pace, but Speedbreakers Lurk

18 April 2019
BWF and Total Celebrate Five Years of Partnership

BWF and Total Celebrate Five Years of Partnership

18 April 2019
Badminton Thrust into Bright Lights – World C’Ships

Badminton Thrust into Bright Lights – World C’Ships

13 March 2019
Gold and Glory for Arbi – Throwback ’95 World C’ships

Gold and Glory for Arbi – Throwback ’95 World C’ships

19 February 2019
GoDaddy Extends Major Events Partnership with BWF

GoDaddy Extends Major Events Partnership with BWF

11 February 2019
Star speakers assembled for BWF World Coaching Conference 2019

Star speakers assembled for BWF World Coaching Conference 2019

30 January 2019
Singles Champions – Down the Ages

Singles Champions – Down the Ages

20 December 2018
Celebrating 25 editions of the BWF World Championships

Celebrating 25 editions of the BWF World Championships

20 December 2018
PARTNERS