China has pulled its badminton players out of this week’s Japan Open amid a worsening political crisis over disputed islands, leaving organisers to hastily re-draw for the event.
An official at the Tokyo championships, speaking on condition of anonymity, said none of the Chinese players expected for the tournament had appeared.
“They were entered but won’t be taking part,” he said.
The official added he had not heard any specific reason for this but “some sort of political reason could be suspected.”
However, Li Yongbo, general coach of China’s badminton team, was reported as saying the cancellation was due to the team’s tiredness after the Olympics, the Badminton Super League and the Masters Super Series in a row.
Li could not be reached by reporters.