Smash hit: Lee Chong Wei credited with fastest badminton shot at Hong Kong event
Malaysian tops the list for most powerful smash after data is provided by Hawk-Eye technology
Shuttler Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia has recorded the fastest smash in the men’s singles competition since September last year when the current world number two topped the list with a 408km/h missile at the 2015 Hong Kong Open, which he won at the Coliseum in Hung Hom.
The smash speeds, according to the Badminton World Federation, were recorded by Hawk-Eye Innovations, which provides instant-review services at major events since September last year and revealed on Wednesday.
The data shows that, while the men routinely smash over 390km/h, the women aren’t too far behind.
Thailand’s Ratchanok Intanon, the 2013 world champion, delivered the fastest blow, clocking 372km/h in the semi-finals of the Malaysia Open this year.
Denmark’s Jan O Jorgensen came close to Lee’s pile-driver with a 407km/h hit in the semi-finals of the same Malaysia tournament.