China dominates 2012 best badminton players nominations

KUALA LUMPUR - Chinese shuttlers dominate the nomination lists of best badminton players of 2012 announced by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) on Wednesday, as they bagged all five badminton gold medals in the London Olympics.

Lin Dan of China is the leading nominee of the Male Player of the Year for 2012 award. The 29-year-old sealed his place as one of the most successful shuttlers ever by winning the second men's singles gold medal in London.

Lin's arch-rival and the current world No 1 Lee Chong Wei was also nominated. The two put on an epic battle at the London Olympic final, which Lin won 2-1.

Others nominated for the best male players of the year are Olympic bronze medallist Chen Long and his Chinese teammates Cai Yun and Fu Haifeng, Men's Doubles Olympic gold medallists South Korean players Lee Yong-dae and his now retired partner Jung Jae-sung are also nominees of the category.

The two Chinese players appeared at the Women's Singles Final of Olympics, Li Xuerui and Wang Yihan, were among those nominated of the Female Player of the Year.

The current world No 1 Li Xuerui was at her best in 2012, grabbing eight titles including the Olympic and year-end crowns. Olympic bronze medallist Saina Nehwal of India and Olympic Women's Doubles champion pair Tian Qing and Zhao Yunlei are also nominated.

However, there are no Chinese players nominated for the Most Promising Player of the Year. The nominees for this award include Tai Tzu Ying of Chinese Taipei, Viktor Axelsen of Denmark, Junior World champion Kento Momota and Nozomi Okuhara from Japan, as well as two Thai shuttlers, Ratchanok Intanon and Busnan Ongbumrungpan.

The winners of the award will be made at the sole discretion of the BWF Council and announced at a gala dinner in Kuala Lumpur on May 18, following the BWF annual general meeting, the badminton world governing body said.