2019 YONEX All England Official Souvenir Programme (badminton) by YONEX All England

K ENTO MOMOTA (JPN) World No. 1 - Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Singles

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CONTENTS

INSIDE… 8

THE MAKING OF A CHAMPION

10 A LOOK BACK AT LANDMARKS CELEBRATED IN 2019 19 MEN’S SINGLES CONTENDERS 23 YONEX: BEING ‘FAR BEYOND ORDINARY’ 25 WOMEN’S SINGLES CONTENDERS

29 THE FEMALE OF THE SPECIES: JAPAN’S DOMINANCE 34 HARNESSING HOME ADVANTAGE 37 A LEGEND RETURNS: LEE YONG DAE’S BACK! 41 MEN’S DOUBLES CONTENDERS 45 RATCHANOK INTANON AND THE THAI REVOLUTION

49 MIXED DOUBLES CONTENDERS 53 EUROPE’S 20 YEAR WAIT! 56 WOMEN’S DOUBLES CONTENDERS EDITORIAL TEAM Editor: Andrew Mitchell @1AndrewMitchell (YONEX All England Media Centre Manager) Content contributions: Emma Eveleigh (Badminton England); Joe Leavey; Connor McLoughlin (Beats Media Group); Dominic Bone (YONEX UK); Geoff Hinder (Secretary and Trustee of the National Badminton Museum)

Photography credit and copyright: Photography credit and copyright to: BadmintonPhoto, Alan Spink and the National Badminton Museum (courtesy of Peter Richardson and Graham Habbin) Designed and produced by

www.bluegreendesign.co.uk | 01234 217218

53 AllEnglandOfficial

@YonexAllEngland

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF YONEX COMPANY LIMITED

WELCOME Firstly, I would like to welcome you to the 109th staging of the YONEX All England Open Badminton Championships. Yonex continues to be greatly honoured to be the title sponsor of this most prestigious of Championships, and proud and privileged to have been associated with Badminton England and the Championships for 36 consecutive years. As a badminton equipment manufacturer, we do of course have a responsibility to the sport and its participants worldwide. This responsibility is outlined in the Yonex mission statement, “Contribute to the world through innovative technology and the highest quality products”. To accomplish this goal we shall continue to dedicate our creativity and resources to meet the needs of all badminton fans. My sincere gratitude and appreciation goes to the BWF, Badminton England, all the Arena Birmingham staff and, above all, the many unpaid volunteers who willingly dedicate many hours of their valuable time to make these Championships so great. Many historic matches have taken place here, as the world’s best have battled for this coveted title. I am sure that this year’s Championships will once again provide us with an exciting display of world class badminton. I wish all the players every success here in Birmingham and hope that they all perform to the best of their abilities. With the qualification period for the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics on the horizon it will be especially thrilling times for badminton as the world’s best compete for a place in the Tokyo Games. I trust everyone involved in our great sport will take every opportunity to maximise its appeal and increase participation at all levels.

Kusaki Hayashida President, YONEX Co., Ltd. 4

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE As the oldest tournament in badminton, the YONEX All England Open has a rich history. Most importantly, it is a tournament that doesn’t rest on past laurels but seeks to adapt to modern challenges – and that is why it is still one of the most popular events on the circuit. We are now in the second season of the HSBC BWF World Tour. The inaugural season was immensely successful, and I’m proud of the progress we have made on many fronts. As a vital part of the World Tour, the All England offers many lessons that other events can emulate. Best wishes to all the players in their pursuit of glory, and thank you to all the volunteers, sponsors and officials for setting the stage for yet another memorable edition.

Poul-Erik Høyer BWF President AllEnglandOfficial

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HSBC WELCOME We are delighted to welcome you to the YONEX All England Open Badminton Championships 2019 where you will see some of the leading lights from the world of badminton competing as part of the HSBC BWF World Tour. 2019 marks our second year as title sponsor of the World Tour and Principal Global Partner of the Badminton World Federation (BWF). Supporting the future growth and profile of badminton through our association with the BWF is part of our commitment towards sport and the wider pursuit of health and well-being. In addition to badminton, HSBC is proud to be a leading partner of four more Olympic sports; golf, Rugby Sevens, tennis and cycling. This year the Tour encompasses events across twenty countries, once again culminating in the Finals in Guangzhou in December. The YONEX All England Open here in Birmingham is particularly special for us as the city is now the home of our new HSBC UK headquarters, opened just a few months ago. Badmintonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s emergence on the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sporting stage is powered by its growing popularity at a

grass-roots level with an increasing number of youngsters picking up a racquet and shuttlecock to pursue the sport. Working together with the BWF, we are committed to the wider development of the sport to give rising stars the chance to reach their full potential and bring badminton to a wider audience in the UK, Europe, across Asia and beyond. Our partnership offers us an opportunity to connect better with our customers across the many communities in which we serve, from here in Birmingham to Guangzhou in China. I hope you enjoy being part of the excitement over the next five days, I am certainly looking forward to being a part of it.

Ian Stuart CEO, HSBC UK

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THE MAKING OF A CHAMPION 2019 THE ALL ENGLAND HAS BEEN CROWNING CHAMPIONS FROM OVER 18 NATIONS SINCE 1899.

But what would the ultimate champion look like if we pieced together the best bits of fan favourite players from across the HSBC BWF World Tour? We turned to twitter to find out.

RIGHT ARM

TOUCH AT THE NET

KEVIN SANJAYA SUKAMULJO Chosen by

@kaonashily

HUANG YAQIONG Selected by

@longstoryshor8

TACTICAL MIND SAINA NEHWAL Handpicked by

@NameisNareshh

VISION VIKTOR AXELSEN Handpicked by

FLASH ON “ THE THE COURT, A

THUNDER HAND, A ROULETTE BACKHAND SMASH WITHOUT EVEN SEEING THE SHUTTLE. IS SUKAMULJO EVEN HUMAN? ”

@PrincessKaterina

LEFT ARM YUTA WATANABE Selected by

@seungho58

HEART CAROLINA MARIN Handpicked by

@7912AceRosslyn

INSTINCT TAI TZU YING Selected by

@aihara_aya

CORE STRENGTH CHRIS ADCOCK Suggested by

@Lozhandley

ENDURANCE Do you agree with the selections from fans like you? Who would you piece together to create your perfect YONEX All England champion? Tell us on twitter @YONEXAllEngland using #YAE19 #AllEngland19 8

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GREYSIA POLII Chosen by

@Versi_Ku

FOOTWORK KENTO MOMOTA Selected by

@kimimappi

WELCOME TO BADMINTON’S GREATEST SHOW! IT IS MY PLEASURE AS PRESIDENT OF BADMINTON ENGLAND TO WELCOME YOU TO THE 109TH EDITION OF THE YONEX ALL ENGLAND OPEN BADMINTON CHAMPIONSHIPS. I believe the Championships continue to be the best Open tournament in the international game and one that absolutely deserves the billing of ‘greatest show’ that I see adorning posters. It is a bold statement but one I truly believe is in keeping of a tournament that, through the sheer hard work of my team at Badminton England and dedicated volunteers, as well as a terrific 36-year backing of Yonex, is fitting of this great event.

male and female players, to play for this week, players are still contesting the All England for the prestige and pride it brings. In an era where sport is commercially driven, it is incredibly reassuring and something to be proud of. I take great pride in that Badminton England continues to stage a thrilling show that places the players in the spotlight and fans of all generations and background right in the thick of the action.

The All England has genuinely been wowing fans since 1899 and, I, like many of you, will have favourite moments during that time that conjure up some fantastic memories.

For all the tradition and heritage, our Super 1000 tournament would not be world class without the fans and audiences who attend to watch their favourite players in action.

Whether you have seen them live or been reminded of them online, we have shared in memorable victories, celebrations, comebacks, upsets and indeed heartache – all the ingredients of a show that captures the hearts and minds and sets pulses racing.

Badminton without fans makes for a far less compelling story to tell the world.

The All England courts have staged some extraordinary displays of badminton and feats of achievement that have turned world class players into real legends of the game. Many of the world’s best players still consider holding aloft one of the prestigious All England trophies to be just as significant as winning world or Olympic titles. This shows the scale and status the All England enjoys on the world stage; it is something worth reminding ourselves of amidst a busy HSBC BWF World Tour schedule and especially with another Olympic qualification period just around the corner. I am comforted in the knowledge that whilst there is a $1 million prize pot, shared equally between

Likewise, badminton without partners and sponsors to give us the opportunity to delight those fans is also unthinkable these days. For that reason I would like to offer my utmost appreciation to Yonex, BWF, HSBC, TOTAL, 12BET and Birmingham City Council who back us all the way. This is our 26th year at Arena Birmingham and every time I step inside this venue we now call home I cannot wait to see what show greets me each and every day we are here. This year will be no exception. Enjoy the show, Diana Troke President, Badminton England AllEnglandOfficial

@YonexAllEngland

ALL ENGLAND

LANDMARKS SINCE 1899, THE ALL ENGLAND HAS BEEN WOWING FANS AND CREATING LEGENDS ON COURT. Now into its 109th year, badminton’s greatest show on the sport’s ever evolving world tour continues to delight and inspire with extraordinary feats of skill, speed and aerial agility. Here we take a look at some of the key historymaking milestones that the 2019 edition celebrates.

120 YEARS AGO 1899, London Scottish Rifles Headquarters The legend begins. Edition 1 of the All England takes place at Buckingham Gate, London. Three doubles events were contested with an all English winners list including the first of a remarkable 17 titles for Meriel Lucas. There was a runners up finish for Ethel Warneford Thomson, who would eventually go on to win 11 titles and also win the women’s singles tennis title at Wimbledon 13 years later. The inaugural Championships did not features a singles draw.

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LANDMARKS Photos courtesy of the National Badminton Museum archives (copyright and credits to Peter Richardson, Graham Habbin and Alan Spink) and BadmintonPhoto

80 YEARS AGO

60 YEARS AGO

1939, Royal Horticultural Halls, London

1959, Wembley

The All England trophy leaves Europe for the very first time. Canada’s Dorothy Walton becomes the first player from outside of Europe to win an All England title with a 11-4, 11-5 win over England’s Diana Doveton.

Indonesia land a first ever All England title and it comes courtesy of 22 year old Tan Joe Hok (Hendra Kartanegara) in the men’s singles event.

80 years on, Walton’s win remains Canada’s only ever All England trophy lift.

Hok’s 15-8, 10-15, 15-3 win over Ferry Sonneville in an all Indonesian final sparked a badminton dynasty for those under the red and white flag. He was the pioneering forefather for the legendary likes of Rudy Hartono and Liem Swie King As a nation, Indonesia would go on to win a further 45 All England titles, 14 of them in men’s singles.

50 YEARS AGO 1969, Wembley Arena

70 YEARS AGO 1949, Harringay Arena An All England trophy heads for Asia for the very first time – and it leaves in the hands of Malay men’s doubles champions Ooi Teik Hock and Teoh Seng Khoon. It is a title win that sparks a haul of 14 titles under the Malay flag before any other Asian nation gets in on the act. Ooi Teik Hock was runner up in men’s singles in the same year.

The end of an era. Denmark’s badminton king Erland Kops wins the last of his sensational 11 titles at the All England. His record smashing run started 11 years earlier in 1958 but came to a climax with a 13-15, 15-10, 15-9 victory alongside Henning Borch, over England’s David Eddy and Roger Powell in the 1969 men’s doubles final. It is a record title haul - 7 in men’s singles ; 4 in men’s doubles - that leaves Kops as one of the greatest of all time and a true legend of the game. AllEnglandOfficial

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LANDMARKS

45 YEARS AGO

20 YEARS AGO

1974, Wembley Arena

1999, Arena Birmingham

Indonesia’s Rudy Hartono breaks new ground with a seventh consecutive title win in the men’s singles event.

Denmark’s Peter Gade becomes YONEX All England men singles champion for the first time. He beat Taufik Hidayat 15-11, 7-15, 15-10 to spark tears of joy on match point.

His record breaking eighth title would come two years later but it’s his 1974 title win in the classic final against Malaysia’s Punch Gunalan that is often referred to as his greatest All England achievement.

Many have tried since, but Gade’s title win in Birmingham remains the last time a European man landed the men’s singles crown some 20 years on. Gade was a finalist also in 2004 in an All England playing career that would continue for a further 13 years - ending in an emotional late night farewell in 2012. READ MORE ABOUT EUROPE’S WAIT FOR THE CROWN ON PAGES 53-55.

15 YEARS AGO 2004, Arena Birmingham Lin Dan wins the first YONEX All England title of a medal-studded career with a 9-15 15-5 15-8 win over Denmark legend Peter Gade at the 94th Championships. The final is the first time in the Championships that Lin Dan is pushed to three games. For Super Dan it would be the start of a love affair with the YONEX All England which would see him win a sensational six titles from 10 finals. 12

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LANDMARKS

10 YEARS AGO 2009, Arena Birmingham China complete a five-star clean sweep of titles in Birmingham. Remarkably, it is just the second time a travelling nation has achieved such a feat in history of the All England. The first international clean sweep came in 1948 when Kirsten Thorndahl helped Denmark to a famous five.

5 YEARS AGO 2014, Arena Birmingham Liliyana Natsir and Tontowi Ahmad complete a much heralded hat trick with a trio of back to back title wins in Mixed Doubles with a 21-13, 21-17 win over China’s Zhang and Zhao It is an All England mixed doubles first since Park Joo Bong and Chung Myung Hee in 1991. Over in the women’s doubles, China’s Yu Yang won the last of her five titles in Birmingham.

Have we missed a milestone? Let us know your favourite landmark in the history of the YONEX All England by tweeting @YONEXAllEngland #YAE19 AllEnglandOfficial

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WOULD BE SO NICE “ IT SOMEWHERE IN THE

FUTURE IF ALL OUR CHILDREN PLAYED AGAINST EACH OTHER. ”

DADDY, DADDY COOL! MY DADDY, THE SIMPLY BRILLIANT BADMINTON STAR. WE CAUGHT UP WITH GOOD FRIENDS RAJIV OUSEPH AND HK VITTINGHUS WHO, DESPITE SLEEPLESS NIGHTS AND BOTTLE FEEDS, ARE BOTH EXPERIENCING NEW PARENTHOOD TOGETHER. When an 18-year-old debutant first stepped onto the YONEX All England courts back in 2004, little did he know that one day he would be playing in front of his son 15 years down the line. For England’s number one, Rajiv Ouseph, entering the Arena Birmingham this week will be just that little bit more special than in previous years.

Having welcomed baby Zach to the world in September, life has changed somewhat for the men’s singles star. Ouseph is one of two ‘Daddy Cools’ in the England line up in Birmingham this week. Alongside Chris Langridge, now the proud father of twin girls, the English pair join an ever growing exclusive club of famous dads who are in the YONEX All England draw. AllEnglandOfficial

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DADDY, DADDY COOL!

RAJ WITH ZACH

From six time champion Lin Dan’s little heir to his legendary throne – with three-time champion Xie Xingfang - to 2014 champs Hendra Setiawan and Mohammad Ahsan, dubbed the ‘Daddies’ by their army of passionate fans back home in Indonesia, badminton is now awash with father figures.

This week, Arena Birmingham and the YONEX All England is not quite yet at the stage of swapping a final warm-up court for a messy play crèche but the pitter patter of tiny YONEX Aerus 3 court shoes is an increasingly familiar sound on the world tour. “Becoming a dad has changed me as a player for sure”, says Ouseph as baby Zach lays sound asleep, for once, in the arms of radiant mum Kate Ouseph, herself a contender at the YONEX All England in seasons not too past.

LOVE TO GET ZACH UP “ I’D TO WATCH ME PLAY AT THIS YEAR’S YONEX ALL ENGLAND, THAT WOULD BE REALLY SPECIAL. ”

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You can sense Ouseph is as relaxed and as laid back in his new position as father as his on court demeanour often suggests. “You have to split your focus now and it changes your outlook on life,” he tells us. “When you are on court and training, you are still very much focussed but then it does give you a distraction when you get home. You can’t really think too much about badminton when you have another little person to look after.” Ouseph dreams of playing in front of Zach and, although his little bundle of joy is still in nappies, he is eager to share his passion for the world’s best tournament with his son right from the very start. “I’d love to get Zach up to watch me play at this year’s YONEX All England, that would be really special. He hasn’t got a badminton kit yet though – he’d probably dribble all over it!” Like father, like son? Well in Ouseph’s case it’s more ‘Like father, like father’. The tournament has not only held a special place in Ouseph’s heart since making the national team,

DADDY, DADDY COOL! but he’s had badminton running through his veins since he was a young boy when his dad took him on the annual trip to see the world’s best. And he is keen to pass on that love to Baby Zach. “For me, my love of the All England was passed on to me through my dad. “It is a generational thing for me. He’d love to go and watch it; even though he wasn’t the best player, he always thought it was a great spectacle. He first started going when it was held at Wembley Arena and he took me and my sisters to go and watch. I have grown up with it and known it as the most prestigious tournament. “I have great memories of going to the event – as bad as it sounds, we always had a day off school to go and watch! They would always put the English players on last, so we’d have to stay until the very end which I loved! Getting up really early to go and coming home really late – I loved it! “Even when I have finished playing, I will still take Zach – it is great to watch the best players in the world somewhere so close to where we live, and it really inspires the young children in England.”

It is not just the English players that have experienced huge life changes in the past year. Take Denmark’s HK Vittinghus for instance, who like his very good friend Ouseph, also welcomed a baby son last year. Having known each other since they were HK WITH SON VINCENT 12 years-old and having crossed paths on court 12 times, although never at the YONEX All England, experiencing new parenthood together has added a new element to a long standing friendship between Vittinghus and Ouseph. For Vittinghus, the 2019 edition of the YONEX All England will also be a memorable one – his son Vincent will be in the stands for the first time having been born just a week before last year’s event! “I am starting him early!” HK tells us. The showman’s crowd-pleasing antics and cheeky but all-action manner on court suggests he makes for a great hands-on dad. “My mum has been to the event a few times as a spectator but also as a line judge about ten years ago so it will also be nice for her to return” he said. “The All England is the highlight of the year for me, I am not sure if I will qualify for the World Championships this year but the All England is far and away my favourite event of the year. “I am very excited to get the chance to play again; I’m really looking forward to it.” As both players look ahead, the prospect of seeing each other courtside at junior tournaments supporting their children is incredibly exciting. Vittinghus added: “It would be amazing if when our kids are older, we could go along to an international junior tournament and to see Raj there supporting his son and me there for mine that would be a really nice thing.” “It is nice to see everyone’s little ones grow up and hopefully they will be interested in the sport too. It would be so nice somewhere in the future if all our children played against each other,” Ouseph said. One thing is for sure, both players will be buoyed by the support from their youngest but biggest fans cheering them on this week! AllEnglandOfficial

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FOR INCREASED SHOCK ABSORPTION AND REPULSION PROVIDING FASTER FOOT WORK

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MEN’S SINGLES

THE CONTENDERS

WITH A WINNERS LIST THAT READS LIKES A WHO’S WHO OF BADMINTON LEGENDS, THE YONEX ALL ENGLAND MEN’S SINGLES TROPHY IS ONE OF THE MOST COVETED PRIZES IN WORLD BADMINTON. There may be no Lee Chong Wei this time around, but the 109th edition sees three champions with their name already etched on the trophy return in a draw that is as wide open as any in history. Only Denmark and Japan have broken the China-Malaysia stranglehold on the final two in the past 10 years and both nations will believe this to be their year to go one step further. The awaited return to YONEX All England action of Viktor Axelsen and Kento Momota – world champions past and present - add an intriguing sub plot to the drama which includes credible seeded title challenges coming from India, Chinese Taipei and Indonesia.

CHAMPIONS ROLL OF HONOUR – PAST 10 YEARS

MEN’S SINGLES

2009 Lin Dan 2010 Lee Chong Wei 2011 Lee Chong Wei 2012 Lin Dan 2013 Chen Long 2014 Lee Chong Wei 2015 Chen Long 2016 Lin Dan 2017 Lee Chong Wei 2018 Shi Yuqi

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MEN’S SINGLES JAPAN

CHANCES TO WIN:

CHINA

CHANCES TO WIN:

KENTO MOMOTA

SHI YUQI

Lee Chong Wei says ‘King Kento’ is the “man to beat at the moment” and who are we to disagree with the four-time YONEX All England champion?

2017 runner up to 2018 champion, Shi Yuqi has shown the kind of YONEX All England progression that many players can only dream about in the past two years. The 23 year old has used his experience wisely in finding a way to be a real contender when it really matters in badminton’s biggest events since beating Lin Dan on Super Sunday last year.

Japan’s reigning World Champion, Asian Champion and world number one enjoyed a simply brilliant comeback 12 months having been exiled from the game for two years. He reached a magnificent seven finals on the HSBC BWF World tour, winning titles in Indonesia, Japan, Denmark and China. That run also included two Super 1000 finals despite not getting the opportunity to compete at the YONEX All England due to the timing of his rise up the rankings. His best YONEX All England appearance has been a quarter final finish in 2015 but many in the game believe his rapid return to dominate the game and unique brand of matchplay will see Kento crowned king in Birmingham.

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He has since won World Championships silver in Nanjing, and then took top honours at the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals. Remarkably, the end of season showpiece win was his first trophy since winning in Birmingham but he can look back on a Super 750 French Open final in that time. The question is; can he become the first Chinese star to retain the men’s singles trophy since Lin Dan 12 years ago?

MEN’S SINGLES INDONESIA

CHANCES TO WIN:

DENMARK

CHANCES TO WIN:

ANTHONY SINISUKA GINTING

VIKTOR AXELSEN

‘Glittering’ Ginting has emerged as a real contender for the sports’ biggest prizes over the last 18 months and leads an Indonesian revival in the mens’s singles event with three shuttlers in the world top order.

Viktor is back! Europe’s leading man missed the 2018 YONEX All England through injury and oh how Birmingham missed him.

He may not have the finals day experience of some of his rivals - he has contested three finals on the world circuit – but he comes to Birmingham as reigning China Open champion so has the pedigree to win at Super 1000 level. His head to head records with those around him in the higher echelons of the game over the past 12 months are strong. And he will know he is backed by a proud, passionate fanbase both in the arena and back home. Ginting is the nation’s best hope here to end a 25 year wait for a men’s singles title.

Now 25 years old and with over 300 career match wins to his name, the Danish star has been World Champion, world number one, HSBC BWF World Tour Finals champion and European king since his last appearance at the YONEX All England. That was a 2017 quarter final loss in a repeat of an Olympic bronze medal match with Lin Dan in Rio. He has since been a Super 1000 runner up in Indonesia and won the 2018 Malaysia Masters and will be desperate to supercharge a challenge for a trophy that has eluded Europe for 20 years now. 2019 has so far brought a Super 300 title in Spain and a host of semi finals but can he make history here?

AllEnglandOfficial

@YonexAllEngland

MENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SINGLES CHINESE TAIPEI

CHANCES TO WIN:

CHINA

CHANCES TO WIN:

CHOU TIEN CHEN

CHEN LONG

Recently installed at world number three, Chou Tien Chen enjoyed six finals on the World Tour in 2018, winning in Korea, Singapore and Germany to boost his growing reputation as a genuine title hunter.

It is hard to list contenders without including the legendary likes of Lin Dan and Chen Long, who between them have eight YONEX All England crowns. Of the two, Chen Long is in best touch heading to Birmingham having reached the Malaysia Masters final in January.

Add an Asian Games silver into the mix from Jakarta and it was a strong year for the 29 year old who has been firmly anchored in the world top 10 now for over 1,500 days. He has something to prove in Birmingham though. In seven YONEX All England appearances since a debut in 2012, he has only progressed past the second round twice; his best being a semi final finish in 2017.

ONE TO WATCH SOUTH KOREA

SON WAN HO

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The hugely popular reigning Olympic Champion last lifted the trophy here in 2015 and having now surpassed 30 titles on the international circuit he remains as hungry as ever for success. That milestone 30th title arrived in Paris. He arrives here as French Open Super 750 champion having, significantly, beaten Shi Yuqi in the final. Back at fourth in the world, you rule out the 30 year old at your peril. A semi finalist last year, the former world number one returns having beaten Chen Long in the final of the Malaysia Masters in January. His two 2018 world circuit wins came in November and he also reached the semi finals of Decemberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s HSBC BWF World Tour Finals with wins against Anthony Ginting and Chou Tien Chen along the way.

#YAE18 DEBUT

YONEX: BEING ‘FAR BEYOND ORDINARY’ FOR SOME, BEING ORDINARY IS ENOUGH. AT YONEX HOWEVER, WE SPEND EVERY MINUTE OF EVERY DAY STRIVING TO BE BETTER THAN THAT. WE WANT EVERY PRODUCT AND SERVICE WE OFFER TO BE ‘FAR BEYOND ORDINARY’, WHICH IS WHY WE’RE THE GLOBAL LEADER IN BADMINTON. We aim to contribute to the world through innovative technology and the highest quality products and because of this, we are the favoured brand of so many of the world’s best players. The reason so many of the world’s top players choose Yonex - and win with Yonex - is they have immense trust in the brand. With Yonex racquets, string and shuttles being manufactured at our own facilities in Japan, we can ensure that every piece of our equipment is made to the very highest of standards and this guarantees fans see the sport at its very best. AllEnglandOfficial

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ADVERTORIAL

Badminton is one of the world’s highest participation sports and Yonex aims to continue its growth. It is easy to see the commitment Yonex has to developing badminton with our sponsorship of many of the world’s leading tournaments. The World Championships, Thomas and Uber Cups, Sudirman Cup and Olympic Games are all Yonex sponsored events with the shuttles, as well as the rest of the equipment used at these major tournaments, allowing the world’s best players to hit peak form when it really matters which, in turn, has allowed some of the greatest matches in the history of the sport to take place at these events. The Yonex Stringing Team support our players at all our key-sponsored events and they complement our high-quality equipment. The team receive training to ensure they are the best in their field as we constantly aim to raise standards and professionalism within the stringing sector.

And finally, our ‘Legends Vision Initiative’, which was launched in 2015, has been extremely well received as we continue to push to make the game truly global. With five of the game’s greatest-ever players involved – Lin Dan, Lee Chong Wei, Peter Gade, Taufik Hidayat and Lee Yong Dae – the sport is showcased in the most spectacular of fashions across the globe.

To date, there have been numerous World Tour events, as well as Legacy Events, where these greats of the game focus on giving back to the sport and strive to help it grow on a more local level. The most recent event, which took place at the end of 2018 in Korea, was hugely successful and one of the many examples of Yonex being ‘Far Beyond Ordinary’. 24

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WOMEN’S SINGLES

THE CONTENDERS

ANYONES TO WIN! THERE IS EVERYTHING TO PLAY FOR IN A WOMEN’S SINGLES DRAW THAT CAPTURES THE IMAGINATION.

CHAMPIONS ROLL OF HONOUR – PAST 10 YEARS

Has the YONEX All England women’s doubles draw ever been so competitive and so closely matched?

2010 Tine Rasmussen

Tai Tzu Ying has the chance to complete a memorymaking hat trick of titles but the returning champion will be wary of an ever growing list of pretenders to her throne. Gone are the days of Chinese dominance. Now 10 nations fill out the world top order and each will hold genuine hopes of landing the prize. Experts and legends are split on who to back and who to pick out as a potential title winner with each contender bringing something different to court. Turn to social media and badminton’s greatest fans are just as undecided such is the array of talent on offer.

WOMEN’S SINGLES

2009 Wang Yihan 2011 Wang Shixian 2012 Li Xuerui 2013 Tine Baun (nee Rasmussen) 2014 Wang Shixian 2015 Carolina Marin 2016 Nozomi Okuhara 2017 Tai Tzu Ying 2018 Tai Tzu Ying

Even without the magic of injured Carolina Marin, it makes for a spectacle you just can’t afford to take your eyes off for one minute. AllEnglandOfficial

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WOMEN’S SINGLES CHINESE TAIPEI

CHANCES TO WIN:

JAPAN

CHANCES TO WIN:

TAI TZU YING

AKANE YAMAGUCHI

The returning champion is gunning for a YONEX All England hat trick of titles this year – and if she successfully defends her crown again she will be the first female singles champion to do so since Xie Xingfang 12 years ago.

A beaten finalist here 12 months ago, Akane went on to win World Championship bronze as she established herself in the world top five.

Still firmly installed as world number one, TaI Tzu Ying has been on top of the world ranking for 115 of the past 117 weeks, chalking up 21 titles on the world circuit since a breakthrough victory at the US Open in 2011.

Japan’s 5ft1 pocket rocket continues with an all action style of matchplay that is compelling for fans and clearly delivers results. She won the Super 750 French Open title last year, beating Tai Tzu Ying in the final and added the Super 300 German Open crown to a collection which now features nine titles and counting on the world circuit.

She netted six titles from eight finals on the HSBC BWF World Tour last year, including the Super 1000 Indonesia Open title and two Super 750 titles in Denmark and Malaysia.

Last year’s finals day experience in Birmingham, following up a 2017 YONEX All England semi final, shows the likeable Akane has a liking for Arena Birmingham.

After seeing injury derail her end of year title challenges, she sat out January’s Indonesia Masters Super 500 event. But it would be no surprise, fitness allowing, if she was standing proud on top step of the podium again this Sunday.

The 21-year-old has been handed early round exits in Malaysia and Indonesia so far this year but experts, such as All England legend Morten Frost, see her as the one to beat in Birmingham this year.

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WOMEN’S SINGLES INDIA

CHANCES TO WIN:

JAPAN

CHANCES TO WIN:

PUSARLA V SINDHU

NOZOMI OKUHARA

At just 23-years-old, Olympic, World and Commonwealth Games silver medallist Sindhu made history by becoming the first Indian to win the season-ending HSBC BWF World Tour Finals tournament in Guangzhou in 2018.

The 2016 YONEX All England champion has quietly gone about her business on the World Tour to a point where her rise to third in the world has almost gone unnoticed.

After reaching the semi finals of the YONEX All England last year – her best performance on this stage – she will be as eager as ever to make more history in Birmingham. A firm fixture in the world top 10, Sindhu was runner-up twice on the HSBC BWF World Tour last year contesting finals in India and Thailand. She has four World Championship medals – including two silver - and with over 300 career match wins to her name will, alongside the in-form Saina Nehwal, carry the hopes of a nation again this year.

After winning the world crown in 2017 and Olympic bronze in 2016, 2018 has been about consistency. It has led to six finals and three titles on the HSBC BWF World Tour and a runners-up spot at the end of season HSBC BWF World Tour finals. She reached a career high second on the world rankings in December after a year in which she became champion in Thailand, Korea and Hong Kong. Her ability to win big matches – she was won 13 from 19 finals on the world circuit – makes the ever smiling 23-year-old a real contender to repeat her victory here three years ago.

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WOMEN’S SINGLES CHINA

CHANCES TO WIN:

THAILAND

CHANCES TO WIN:

CHEN YUFEI

RATCHANOK INTANON

At 20-years-old, Chen leads a new era of female Chinese shuttler including He Bingjiao and Gao Fangjie into HSBC BWF World Tour title battle – and her rise into the world top five has been one based around consistency in reaching the latter rounds.

Two times a finalist at Arena Birmingham, Ratchanok retains the record of being the youngest ever All England singles finalist in our 109 year history. But she is still chasing the sport’s biggest prize.

Chen never had the pleasure of reaching a Superseries final but has found the new HSBC BWF World Tour to her liking in 2018, winning the Fuzhou China Open Super 750 title alongside three runners up finishes. Two of those three finals day defeats came at Super 1000 level in China and Indonesia and that experience will be crucial as she shoots for the YONEX All England crown to emulate Wang Shixian’s win five years ago.

ONE TO WATCH INDONESIA

GREGORIA MARISKA TUNJUNG 28

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The 2013 World Champion has now contested 25 finals on the world circuit and went on to win the Malaysia Masters Super 500 crown last year; retaining it again in January this year. She has reached four finals since the 2017 YONEX All England and will know there is a lot of support in the arena willing her to make amends for her first round exit last year. READ MORE ABOUT RATCHANOK AND THE THAI BADMINTON REVOLUTION ON PAGES 45-48 OF THIS PROGRAMME.

Dubbed the new ‘Susi Susanti’, the 19 year old from Central Java is Indonesia’s best prospect in the women’s singles draw for a many a year. Now in the world top 15, the 2017 World Junior Champion is already getting plaudits across the World Tour.

POETRY IN MOTION THE FEMALE OF THE SPECIES IS MORE DEADLY THAN THE MALE! THERE IS NO TRUER SPORTING DISPLAY OF RUDYARD KIPLING’S MOST FAMOUS PHRASE THAN JAPANESE BADMINTON’S FORTUNES IN THE HISTORY OF THE ALL ENGLAND. KIPLING IS AFFORDED POETIC LICENSE BUT HISTORY BOOKS TELL THEIR OWN TALE.

For all the talk up of World Champion Kento Momota as Japan’s ‘best shot’ in Birmingham for many a decade; for the all heartbreak felt for three time losing finalists Hiroyuki Endo and Kenichi Hayakawa, Japan’s men will look longingly across at the women’s game with an element of envy. Simple truth is, when it comes to the All England, Japan’s female shuttlers have outplayed their male teammates in netting titles.

2016 CHAMPION NOZOMI OKUHARA

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The Japanese always bring a collective hope and strong team bond to Birmingham but stats don’t lie. Put it bluntly; of the 15 All England titles won by Japan through All England history, 14 have exclusively been won by the fairer sex. Seven in women’s singles. Seven in women’s doubles. Hiroe Yuki’s breakthrough title – Japan’s first – in 1969 quite literally kickstarted girl power in every sense of the phrase. In fact, the only manly hands to hold aloft an All England title have been those of Yuta Watanabe last year – and that came in the mixed. Even then, whilst Watanabe struck the decisive winning blow, it was partner Arisa Higashino who served at Championship point to write a new chapter of history for Japan; a first ever All England mixed doubles title. 30

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Talking of new chapters in Japanese badminton conjures up memories of Misaki Matsutomo and Ayaka Takahashi’s 2016 title win - another nation’s first in women’s doubles since 1978. Three years ago in this arena, an emotional Matsutomo said she hoped the title would “lift the profile of the women’s game to new heights” in their homeland. She talked of ‘slowly but surely inspiring a new chapter back home’ where badminton got more attention. As crystal ball gazing goes, Matsutomo’s mission has come alive and then some. A first Uber Cup win in 37 years brings well deserved limelight whilst performances on the world circuit have been nothing short of spectacular. Of the 17 HSBC BWF World Tour events at Super 500 and above last season, Japanese women’s

THE FEMALE OF THE SPECIES… doubles pairs netted 11 of them. Add in the Super 300 events and another six titles from 10 finals bolster the haul. The ‘bossing’ of the world tour shows no sign of slowing after Yuki Fukushima and Sayaka Hirota’s victory in Malaysia at the start of the year. Then there’s Akane Yamaguchi and Nozomi Okuhara in the world top ten of the singles game and in contention again this year. There’s nothing ‘slowly or surely’ about it. It is dominance – and it comes with strength in depth. In Birmingham this week it would be a massive surprise to many experts if the Japanese flag was not flying on finals day. Yamaguchi and Okuhara will both harbour hopes of landing the women’s singles title. Both have YONEX All England finals day experience and now know what to expect; Yamaguchi as runner-up last year, Okuhara as 2016 champion. Then there’s a women’s doubles line up which has multiple world class threats in it. Whilst Matsutomo and Takahashi are the ‘dependable veterans’ of the squad – a tag handed to them by Okuhara, Fukushima and Hirota are the very epitome of Japan’s new era. Last year’s runners-up in Birmingham are now world number ones and twice world silver medallists. They head to the YONEX All England as top seeds and have won six of eight finals already in the past 14 months on the HSBC BWF World Tour.

Then there’s Mayu Matsumoto and Wakana Nagahara, the reigning World Champions who are on a meteoric rise up the world rankings. But this year, the women are not alone. In fact it could be argued that it’s indeed a male team mate who is considered ‘most likely to’. Step forward Kento Momota – world number one, World Champion and Asia’s best. Lee Chong Wei says Momota is the man to beat but he’s battling history as well as expectation. Only two Japanese men have reached the singles final and both went into their respective title tilts as huge underdogs albeit 44 years apart. Kenichi Tago was given little chance against Lee Chong Wei in 2010, eventually going down 21-19, 21-19. Likewise, Masao Akiyama was considered rank outsider in the 1966 final - Japan’s first in any discipline at the All England - against Malaysia’s Tan Aik Huang. Momota will not be afforded ‘underdog’ status at the 2019 YONEX All England. The field will be eager to dethrone King Kento. He is there to be shot at. Question is, can Momota write a new chapter for Japanese badminton and do it for the men?

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GLOBAL ENTRIES

PLAYERS FROM 23 NATIONS HAVE OFFICIALLY ENTERED BADMINTON’S GREATEST SHOW IN ITS 109TH YEAR

WORLD MAP OF 2019 YONEX ALL ENGLAND ENTRY – BY NATION* *entry as of 25 February 2019 and includes main draw and reserve list

CANADA

USA

ENGLAND

IRELAND

SCOTLAND

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FRANCE

SPAIN

DENMARK

SWEDEN

NETHERLANDS GERMANY

BULGARIA

GLOBAL ENTRIES

ALL TIME ALL ENGLAND TITLES WON â&#x20AC;&#x201C; BY NATION

RUSSIA

INDIA

CHINA

THAILAND

SINGAPORE

MALAYSIA

England

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Sweden

Denmark China

Chinese Taipei

India

Indonesia

Canada

South Korea

Russia

Malaysia

Spain

Ireland

Netherlands

USA

Scotland

Japan

INDONESIA

HONG KONG

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SOUTH KOREA

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JAPAN

HARNESSING HOME ADVANTAGE OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS, MORE THAN ¼ MILLION FANS - SUPPORTING LOUDER, CHEERING HARDER - HAVE PACKED OUT ARENA BIRMINGHAM TO LOVE EVERY MINUTE OF BADMINTON’S GREATEST SHOW. WE CAUGHT UP WITH SOME OF THE ENGLAND PLAYERS TO TALK HOME ADVANTAGE, GOOSEBUMPS AND THE POWER OF PLAYING IN FRONT OF A HOME CROWD ON HOME SOIL.

MAKES A BIG “ IT DIFFERENCE. IN FOOTBALL HOME IS ALWAYS BETTER THAN AWAY - YOU’RE STRONGER AT HOME. ”

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Home or away? Ask any of the world class stars currently adorning the HSBC BWF World Tour and you will find the answer to be largely unanimous. Very little beats the feeling of playing in front of a partisan home crowd. The itinerant life of a professional badminton player may look like a glamorous jetsetting one when viewed from outside the bubble, but it can be a monotonous, often lonely, one within it. It takes a certain mindset to adjust to a life of airports and shuttle bus transfers; from living out of a racket bag for weeks on end to a non-forgiving conveyer belt of travel schedules. England’s number one Gabby Adcock took flight for over 90,000 air miles last year. That’s over 14,000 minutes in the air for just under 2,400 minutes of competitive court time.

HARNESSING HOME ADVANTAGE

“They have not always been wins but the actual performances themselves have been unbelievable.

PLAY “ TO ON HOME

SOIL IS A REALLY BIG DEAL FOR US. ”

It’s no wonder England’s biggest badminton players treasure every opportunity they get to play in front of their home fans and enjoy all the comforts of home. They have the power to send 31,000 fans home jubilant. They have the control to set the mood in the arena for the week. And they will be treated to a heroes welcome onto court this week. “To play on home soil is a really big deal for us” says world top 10 mixed doubles star, Lauren Smith.

“I think that says a lot about where you are. You have not had to travel. You step out and the whole arena wants you to win.” Each year, Ellis cannot wait to hear the roar from the British fans when he steps out at the Arena Birmingham. “It makes a big difference. In football home is always better than away - you’re stronger at home.” It is a sentiment shared by partner Langridge. “We travel non-stop so it’s nice just to jump on a train for an hour to go to a venue rather than fly for 13 hours to the other side of the world with jet lag, funny temperatures and different food.” Langridge says. Those who know Langridge will know him as a perfectionist; a man for finer detail and familiarity. They are traits that have kept him at the top of the game for over 10 years now. Langridge reminisces.

“When you’re having those harder moments or you’re maybe feeling like it’s not going your way, to have the crowd get behind you to lift you is huge.

“A couple of years ago we made a quarter-final by beating the fifth rank pair in the world at the time,” he recalls.

“It motivates me, it really helps.

“We had a good game with the world number ones at the time.

“Especially to not have to travel so far to an event is definitely an advantage! It’s a great opportunity to showcase our best.” Smith’s best is still to come in Birmingham. But for Olympic bronze medallists Marcus Ellis and Chris Langridge - specialist hands at getting the crowd on their feet in Birmingham - the vocal home support has inspired some of their career best showings against the world’s finest pairs.

“The home crowd will make a difference and make your opponent a bit more tense with the support on our side” he adds.

“I think it speaks volumes because some of our best performances have come at the YONEX All England,” Ellis says.

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HARNESSING HOME ADVANTAGE

US TO STEP OUT IN “ FOR FRONT OF A HOME CROWD GIVES US GOOSEBUMPS ALL YEAR. ”

Whilst Langridge, Ellis, Smith and co talk of the tangible fine margins - those little competitive edges - that home advantage can bring, for Chris and Gabby Adcock it’s all about the electric tingle of excitement. “You can’t put your finger on how big the home crowd is, but it’s massive,” says Chris Adcock. “Just knowing that you’re going to go out there and you’ve got that extra person behind you is a massive help,” “There’s been times over the years when we’ve really needed the crowd behind us and they have really got us through. “There have been times where we’ve really got them through as well, so that’s always been fun.” Adcock knows all about the cheers at the YONEX All England – he, alongside Gabby Adcock has been one of the main orchestrators of noise at the arena in recent seasons. But he’s experienced plenty of tears too. There was no instance more agonising than their semifinal defeat to Chinese pair Lu Kai and Huang Yaqiong at the championships two years ago when the Adcocks served on match point for a place in the final. “That was the worst” Gabby Adcock tells us. “We had a match point for a place in the final against a Chinese pair and Chris broke his strings.” But also it brings good memories being so close to such a massive win “ It was a result that left an entire arena deflated after an almost expectant high. 36

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The comedown was plausible in the stands. It was a cruel, cruel twist of inopportune timing. “It was extremely painful at the time, but when you look back, the crowd was amazing,” Chris admits. So often in sport such circumstances can have an all embracing effect; bringing fans closer to their heroes in a collective sense of injustice. You hear that talked of in team sports but it is a growing trend in badminton too. “It’s probably one of the best games of badminton that we’ve played, and to do that in front of our home crowd was a special feeling, but a real tough one to take for a long time.” Gabby adds. It is moments like this that ensure the Championships retain the unique aura that players of all era have talked about; have experienced first hand. But the fact that the world’s oldest and most prestigious badminton tournament takes place on home soil provides all the motivation the Adcocks need. “The YONEX All England is so special for us” the Adcocks say almost in unison. “For us it’s all that more special because we don’t get many tournaments in England that we can showcase badminton. “For us to step out in front of a home crowd gives us goosebumps all year”. There is no doubt that should any of England’s players progress to finals weekend in Birmingham this year then Gabby Adcock’s ‘goosebumps’ will spread to the stands.

LEGEND

A RETURNS

FOR ONE WEEK EACH MARCH, THE ARENA BIRMINGHAM SWAPS GUITARS AND DANCE ROUTINES FOR BADMINTON RACKETS AND FAST FOOTWORK ON COURT.

Once the courts are removed and the dust settles on the 109th edition of badminton’s greatest show, our home for 26 years will quickly return to its day job as a rock ready venue ready to blow your socks off.

WE TAKE A LOOK AT A RETURNING ICON WHO ABSOLUTELY ROCKED THE JOINT – TWICE – AND IS NOW BACK TO RAISE THE ROOF ALL OVER AGAIN.

But for all the sell out crowds that flood through the doors and hang off every beat that bounces from the reinstated wall of sound, few of the headline acts that perform will be as iconic, as idolised, as one of the players at this year’s YONEX All England.

From Elton John and Take That to pop princesses Ariana Grande and, Nicki Minaj, Arena Birmingham will stage some of the biggest music superstars on the planet in the aftermath of the All England.

Amidst all the twisting sub plots that come with the YONEX All England draw, one name sits in the list almost apologetically hidden away from the spotlight: Lee Yong Dae. AllEnglandOfficial

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A LEGEND RETURNS

SOUTH KOREA’S POSTER BOY! 1015 BADMINTON ‘GIGS’ ON THE INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT TO HIS NAME, OVER 750 WON – LEE YONG DAE REDEFINES THE MEANING OF THE WORD ‘LEGEND’. The return of Lee Yong Dae is big news; back in Birmingham after three years away. The South Korean superstar redefines the meaning of the word ‘legend’. He has adorned more magazine covers, more bedroom walls and more billboard posters than any of the music icons who will make sweet sweet music in the Arena. Yes Cher, even you. Even the K-pop kings in Korea’s own brand of chart topping music can only crave the mass hysteria that Lee Yong Dae generates wherever it seems he chooses to tread. He is South Korea’s poster boy in every sense of the term. Let it not be forgotten though that behind it all, take away the celebrity facade and Lee Yong Dae is, at core, a simply brilliant badminton player.

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Sometimes, as the column inches mount up and paparazzi flashes go off, it is worth remembering that it is his artistry with a badminton racket that has secured him all the glitter and sparkle of an A-list lifestyle. 1,015 badminton ‘gigs’ on the international circuit to his name; over 790 won. Where Olympic gold in 2008 sparked a national legacy, six World Championships medals (minus the elusive gold) added to the euphoria and 69 international titles brought a whole new level of notoriety. Add in two All England titles then AAA+ does not even come close. And, despite it all, he’s back – just like a superband adding new dates onto a much anticipated sell out comeback tour of their own – now wanting more ahead of Tokyo 2020.

A LEGEND RETURNS

It was meant to be Yong Dae’s swansong. Only a pair of Russians – Ivanov and Sozonov – stood in their path at the semi final stage. Then fate played its hand landing Russia a ‘miracle’ first ever All England title and the Korean dream was floored. Two years ago when quizzed whether another tilt at Olympics was on the cards, he was decisive albeit with a degree of regret that the outcome in Rio had not lived up to his own high expectations . “Some people have asked me about Tokyo 2020 but I’m not concerned about the next Olympics”, he said in this very arena in front of the world press as he became the latest of five to join YONEX’s Legends line-up. “As far as the Olympics is concerned, the biggest moment was winning the Mixed Doubles gold in Beijing. “I feel most regretful about the last Olympics in Rio. I was way too tense and felt too much pressure from the public. Without that, I could probably have done a lot better.” “I want to find another path in badminton” That path, it now appears, may just lead to Japan and on it there is another stop off in Birmingham much to the delight of fans everywhere. This week, Lee Yong Dae is in the hunt for a third All England title – some 11 years after his first and, significantly, three years after he retired (aka, ‘took a break’) from the international game. After title success here in 2008 – followed by Olympic gold just a few months later - and then again in 2012 with Jung Jae Sung – gone but never ever forgotten - when Olympic bronze arrived 100 miles south in London five months on.

Seven months later Lee Yong Dae retired as Korean Open champion and world number one - firmly established as one of the All England’s all time greats but not with the crowning glory in Birmingham – like Tine Baun in 2013 – on the sport’s most prestigious of stages. Roll forward two years and the now 30 year old, this time alongside new partner Kim Gi Jung, took step on an unusual path back to Birmingham, winning on courts in Macau and Barcelona. His comeback title – his 70th at international level - came at an indiscreet Super 300 event in Spain, somewhat off the radar. However it set fans’ pulses racing with possibilities. Here the Koreans will pack an unseeded punch in the men’s doubles draw which, despite the world tour dominance of Sukamuljo and Gideon, shows that age is no barrier to brilliance. In fact, when you see the successes of Setiawan, Ahsan and last year’s beaten finalists Boe and Mogensen, Yong Dae is a relative pup at 30. ‘Too young to retire’ said the world back in 2016. Clearly they were right.

Two All England titles, followed by two Olympic medals. Could All England 2019 bring symmetry with Tokyo looming large? Funnier things have happened. It’s also another shot at the hat trick, especially after the way 2016 ended in Birmingham. It certainly wasn’t the script. AllEnglandOfficial

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MEN’S DOUBLES

THE CONTENDERS

FAST, FURIOUS AND PACKED WITH FIREPOWER, PASSION AND BITE, THE YONEX ALL ENGLAND MEN’S DOUBLES DRAW IS ONE FANS ACROSS THE GLOBE SIMPLY CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF. Returning champions Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo and Marcus Fernaldi Gideon have aspirations of a much heralded hat trick this week - and they will be well backed to do so. But the event’s biggest personalities know they will be in for a proper scrap to keep hold of their much desired crown. They have held off all comers in Birmingham since March 2017 but 16 pairs won titles on the HSBC BWF World Tour last year proving the threat is ever present and ever intense. And that threat has only intensified in 2019 with legendary names and former champions adding to the drama.

CHAMPIONS ROLL OF HONOUR – PAST 10 YEARS

MEN’S DOUBLES

2009 Cai Yun/Fu Haifeng 2010 Lars Paaske/Jonas Rasmussen 2011 Mathias Boe/Carsten Mogensen 2012 Lee Yong Dae/Jung Jae Sung 2013 Liu Xiaolong/Qiu Zihan 2014 Mohammad Ahsan/Hendra Setiawan 2015 Mathias Boe/Carsten Mogensen 2016 Vladimir Ivanov/Ivan Sozonov 2017 Marcus Fernaldi Gideon/ Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo 2018 Marcus Fernaldi Gideon/ Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo AllEnglandOfficial

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MEN’S DOUBLES INDONESIA

CHANCES TO WIN:

DENMARK

CHANCES TO WIN:

MARCUS FERNALDI GIDEON AND KEVIN SANJAYA SUKAMULJO

MATHIAS BOE AND CARSTEN MOGENSEN

Indonesia’s two-time reigning champions are hunting a hat trick of YONEX All England titles this week after another simply sensational title-winning year on the HSBC BWF World Tour.

The two-time YONEX All England champions have slipped a way down the world rankings of late but their continued love affair with Birmingham means they remain genuine title contenders.

The undisputed world number one pair have now won 25 titles from 30 finals on the world circuit and come back to Birmingham in winning form.

Strong, resilient and with the know how from 50 international circuit finals in a 15 year career together, the Danes were runners-up last season – their fourth final at Arena Birmingham – and have contended six semi finals here.

There were slight injury doubts earlier in the year but these were dismissed when the Indonesia Masters and Malaysia Masters titles were won to start the year. Full of deception, spellbinding rotation and the ability to switch defence into attack in the blink of an eye, the Indonesian kings could become the first men’s doubles pair to win a backto-back triple crown since 1980.

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They last won the title four years ago but they want a hat trick of their own albeit eight years after their first. 2019 form has been patchy at best but with over 600 career wins to their name as well as an Olympic silver medal, their presence and aura makes them hard to ignore.

MEN’S DOUBLES JAPAN

CHANCES TO WIN:

CHINA

CHANCES TO WIN:

TAKESHI KAMURA AND KEIGO SONODA

LI JUNHUI AND LIU YUCHEN

Japan bring a genuine triple threat to the podium with three pairs in the world top 10. Kamura and Sonoda are the lead contenders with Endo and Watanabe as well as Inoue and Kaneko also in the running, having each won HSBC World Tour titles last year.

Reigning World Champions, HSBC BWF World Tour Finals Champions and Asian Championships Gold medallists. China’s leading men’s doubles duo chose 2018 to show the world they know just how to win badminton’s biggest prizes.

As 2018 world silver medallists and world number threes, Kamura and Sonoda head the charge as the nation chases down a first ever YONEX All England men’s doubles title. The pair won the Super 750 Malaysia Open and the Super 500 Thailand Open and were runners up in Denmark and Hong Kong in a year that also brought Asian Championships silver.

Now ranked second in the world they will want the YONEX All England crown to kickstart 2019 and get their first regular season title win on the new world tour having been runners up in Japan and Indonesia. Beaten finalists two years ago, Li and Liu have been shining lights since winning the World Junior gold together six years ago.

Full of flair, showmanship and well timed aggression, they play with an understanding that comes from eight years together on the international circuit.

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MEN’S DOUBLES DENMARK

CHANCES TO WIN:

CHINESE TAIPEI

CHANCES TO WIN:

KIM ASTRUP AND ANDERS SKAARUP RASMUSSEN

CHEN HUNG LING AND WANG CHI-LIN

Denmark’s new front runners – and reigning European Champions – come to Birmingham as reigning Super 1000 China Open champions and India Open finalists.

Without any real attention or spotlight, Chen and Wang have emerged from 2018 with World Championship bronze, Super 300 titles retained and four semi final finishes on the HSBC BWF World Tour in Malaysia, China, Japan and significantly Guangzhou at the end of season finals.

Their relaxed, carefree manner on court belies a matchplay style that is built around explosion and endurance – and in a slow hall like the Arena Birmingham, such a style could prove effective. Playing together for six years the duo were semi finalists at the end of season show in Guangzhou and are now established in the world top 10. They will be also eager to bolster a YONEX All England record that does not do justice of their performances elsewhere.

ONES TO WATCH INDONESIA

HENDRA SETIAWAN AND MOHAMMAD AHSAN 44

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Now fourth in the world and seeded for Birmingham, the 2018 YONEX All England quarter finalists have found a way to win matches that is subtle and understated but effective. But watch out, they are masters in executing a gameplan against some of the draw’s more flamboyant pairs.

After a round two exit last year, the former world number ones used 2018 to rediscover the understanding that landed the crown here in 2014. Twice World Champions, the ‘daddies’ are back winning titles together and arrive in Birmingham having reached three international finals last year. They re-entered the world top 10 in November.

INTANON

TO THE POWER OF THREE ONCE, TWICE, THREE TIMES A CHAMPION? THERE’S GENERAL BELIEF IN SOME CIRCLES THAT ‘THREE IS THE MAGIC NUMBER’.

Just tell that to Thailand superstar Ratchanok Intanon who, after two previous shots of glory on Finals Day, will have her heart set on another YONEX All England final this week. A spot of magic at badminton’s greatest show certainly wouldn’t go amiss for Intanon who continues to try and pull a white rabbit out of a hat and win a first ever All England title for Thailand. After the final heartbreak of 2013 against the retiring Tine Baun – a result that went with the script – and the 2017 loss to Tai Tzu Ying – a 16–21, 20–22 scoreline that didn’t, Intanon will hope 2019 brings better fortune. Not least that her fast vanishing act that occurred last March – a shock first round defeat to Canada’s Michelle Li – isn’t part of her repertoire 12 months on. Exiting the sport’s grandest stage at the first round stage is not a familiar fate for the 24 year old. In fact, in the eight appearances in Birmingham since a YONEX All England debut in 2011, only twice has she failed not to progress to the last 8 and beyond.

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INTANON – TO THE POWER OF THREE

Intanon was well fancied to collect the sport’s most coveted prize last March but sometimes, as so often in sport, the stars simply did not align. Thailand still expects though and so often Ratchanok has delivered; Not on opening Wednesday last year but 15 titles from 25 world circuit finals tell us that. 2019 gives chance for immediate right to reply here in Birmingham. As for stars, well there is fair opportunity they could align in her favour in a women’s singles draw which looks wide open and with a number of usual suspects either returning from injury or having not made the trip to Birmingham. Put that aside and Intanon – still the youngest player in the 109 years of the Championships to reach an All England final - also brings good form. She retained the Malaysia Masters title in January, beating Carolina Marin and Tai Tzu Ying in Kuala Lumpar. Some personal demons would have been settled when she defeated Michelle Li at the HSBC BWF World Tour finals in December. 46

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And this time she can take extra heart in that some of the national burden she has shouldered for the past nine seasons on the world circuit will be shared this time around. The ‘Intanon Effect’ as some have dubbed it in her homeland has stimulated a surge in Thai badminton on the world stage that leaves her not treading the familiar path as the lone threat in Birmingham.

INTANON – TO THE POWER OF THREE

She is well supported and the Thai title charge is indeed three, if not four deep now. It is a strength in depth that is best demonstrated in women’s singles. Ratchanok remains the Thai princess of badminton but there are three more players poised in the world top 25 with Nitchaon Jindapol having entered the top 10 since last year’s All England. Even in the men’s singles draw, there are two Thai players in the world top 15. Both will be outsiders for the title but lest it not be forgotten that Khosit Phetpradab has beaten Chen Long and Shi Yuqi – All England champions past and present - in reaching the Japan Open Super 750 final on the HSBC BWF World Tour last year. Switch to doubles and two pairs stand out as having a genuine shot of making All England history - be it this year or in years to come. At fifth in the world, Dechapol Puavaranukkrof and Sapsiree Taerattanachai look strong contenders in the mixed doubles event as they build on their experience of four HSBC BWF World Tour finals in the past 12 months.

KHOSIT PHETPRADAB

They will be looking to emulate, and go one better than, the well respected and experienced Sudket Prapakamol and Saralee Thungthongkam – twice World bronze medallists - who were YONEX All England runners up to Xu and Ma in 2011. Then there’s Jongkolphan Kititharakul and Rawinda Prajongjai sitting eighth in the women’s doubles world standings. Like their mixed doubles teammates they are one big win away from shooting their status to the next level – something they were so close to in India last year. Intanon then will take great comfort from those around her and at a tournament where she feels right at home. But whether having the burden lifted of carrying the hopes of 68 million in her homeland lets her play with more freedom will be a trick that those inside Arena Birmingham will be keen more than ever to see if Intanon can pull off.

JONGKOLPHAN KITITHARAKUL AND RAWINDA PRAJONGJAI

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MIXED DOUBLES

THE CONTENDERS

RECENT HIGH PROFILE RETIREMENTS OF A NUMBER OF YONEX ALL ENGLAND PAST CHAMPIONS MEANS THE NEW 2019 YONEX ALL ENGLAND DRAW MARKS THE START OF A NEW ERA OF MIXED DOUBLES. Few pairs better show off that new era than reigning champions Yuta Watanabe and Arisa Higashino who made history in more ways than one last year. The Japanese pair landed a first ever YONEX All England mixed doubles title for their nation. In doing so, they became the first pair in 13 years – since Nathan Robertson and Gails Emms – to ensure the crown did not head to Indonesia or China. In fact, in the past 20 years only eight nations have contested the YONEX All England mixed doubles final with only five different flags flying high above the podium.

CHAMPIONS ROLL OF HONOUR – PAST 10 YEARS

MIXED DOUBLES

2009 He Hanbin/Yu Yang 2010 Zhang Nan/Zhao Yunlei 2011 Xu Chen/Ma Jin 2012 Tontowi Ahmad/Liliyana Natsir 2013 Tontowi Ahmad/Liliyana Natsir 2014 Tontowi Ahmad/Liliyana Natsir 2015 Zhang Nan/Zhao Yunlei 2016 Praveen Jordan/Debby Susanto 2017 Lu Kai/Huang Yaqiong 2018 Yuta Watanabe/Arisa Higashino

Signs from the HSBC BWF World Tour suggest China lead the new era; the powerhouse won nine of 16 tour titles at Super 500 and above last season. But with seven nations presented in the world top 10 it makes the new era an intriguing one. AllEnglandOfficial

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MIXED DOUBLES CHINA

CHANCES TO WIN:

ENGLAND

CHANCES TO WIN:

ZHENG SIWEI AND HUANG YAQIONG

CHRIS ADCOCK AND GABBY ADCOCK

Last year’s runners up have been simply awesome – and at times untouchable - on the HSBC BWF World Tour since missing out in Birmingham.

Europe’s leading mixed doubles pair, and now twice European champions, have been in the world top order for over six years.

Now World Champions, China’s top ranked pair top the world rankings and contested 10 finals in 2018. That hot streak earned seven titles of which six were at Super 750 level and above.

2018 saw them retain both their Commonwealth Games and European titles – showing fighting spirit and resilience along the way- whilst also reaching the Thailand Open on the HSBC BWF World Tour.

In fact they only missed the final in three of the 14 tournaments they entered.

Since making their YONEX All England debut together seven years ago, the Adcocks have enjoyed five quarter finals and two semi finals.

With Siwei’s strengths now fully re-mastered for the mixed game, Huang’s net game has emerged as nothing short of world class. They come as 2019 Indonesia Masters champions having not read the script in Liliyana Natsir’s farewell match.

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In fact they reached the last eight or above in the past five seasons. Birmingham clearly brings out the best in the Adcocks, buoyed by a home crowd. READ MORE ABOUT THE POWER OF HOME ADVANTAGE ON PAGES 34-36.

MIXED DOUBLES JAPAN

CHANCES TO WIN:

MALAYSIA

CHANCES TO WIN:

YUTA WATANABE AND ARISA HIGASHINO

CHAN PENG SOON AND GOH LIU YING

Our reigning champions made history for Japan by netting a first ever YONEX All England mixed title last March.

The 2016 Olympic silver medallists and 2017 YONEX All England finalists remain as Malaysia’s lead challengers having reached four finals, winning two titles, on the world circuit last year.

They return to defend their crown having also bagged the Super 500 Hong Kong title in their only other World Tour final in 2018. The new year has already brought the Malaysia Masters title for the 2014 World Junior champions, defeating Chinese rivals in the final. Thriving on unpredictability, many fans believe Watanabe has one of the best arms in world badminton and that weapon lets Higashino use a consistency in performance level, something that reached four semi finals in 2018.

But the question is what pair will turn up in Birmingham? The duo who bring Super 1000 final experience from Indonesia and know how from 19 international gold medal matches; or the pair who suffered six first round exits last year? Touch wood, Goh Liu Ying’s injury concerns seem to be a thing of the past and on song, the partnership which has been in the world top 10 for six years of their 10 years together, have everything in their game – as shown in winning the 2019 Thailand Masters - to be champions here.

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MIXED DOUBLES CHINA

CHANCES TO WIN:

THAILAND

CHANCES TO WIN:

WANG YILYU AND HUANG DONGPING

DECHAPOL PUAVARANUKROH AND SAPSIREE TAERATTANACHAI

Quarter finalists last year and now second on the world rankings, China’s number two pair reached seven finals from 15 tournaments in 2018.

Thailand’s most talented mixed pair for many a year are racking up World Tour finals at pace thanks to a high level of consistency.

They arrive in Birmingham as HSBC BWF World Tour Finals champions and Asia’s best in title; having won gold at the 2018 Asian Games.

They managed seven quarter finals, four semi finals and one final – in Denmark – on the HSBC BWF World Tour last year. It sparked a rise up the rankings, almost unnoticed, to a career high third in the world during last season.

Their challenge is to find a way past their world number one team mates. The two pairs contested five finals on the world tour in 2018 – Wang and Huang lost four of them. Revenge was sweet in Guangzhou – the latest head to head - but will it bring a change of fortune in Birmingham?

ONES TO WATCH INDONESIA

HAFIZ FAIZAL AND GLORIA EMANUELLE WIDJAJA 52

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They are still to net a big breakthrough title though – it is three silvers from three world tour finals now and their only trophy lift together came at the 2017 Swiss Open. Can the YONEX All England crown be the breakthrough win that propels the 2017 South East Asian Games gold medallists to the next level? With the retirement of legend Liliyana Natsir, the Indonesian challenge is led by 2018 quarter finalists Faizal and Widjaja. The Thailand Open champions also reached a further two quarter finals and two semi finals on the HSBC BWF World Tour in 2018.

EUROPE’S

20 YEAR WAIT! PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE. MEANING: THE ABILITY TO WAIT FOR SOMETHING WITHOUT FRUSTRATION OR UPSET IS A VALUABLE CHARACTER TRAIT IN A PERSON. Virtue or not, patience is starting to wear incredibly thin across Europe as far as waiting to celebrate a YONEX All England men’s singles title goes. The champagne has been chilling on ice for some 20 years now. The big 2.0. 20 years since Peter Gade’s heroics against Indonesia’s Taufik Hidayat at the Arena Birmingham in 1999. There were tears of joy, faces filled with disbelief and a 22 year old overcome and overwhelmed with what he had just achieved. But the disbelief in victory has manifested itself into disbelief that Europe looks on 20 years later and there is still no new genuine heir to Gade’s throne in Birmingham. It is difficult to imagine such a wait considering the depth and breadth of European talent that has poured into the men’s game over all those years.

But two decades on and the wait continues. In fact the celebratory champagne that many want to pop open is less chilling on ice, more near frozen solid. Even Peter Gade – and it is his record after all that everyone has eyes on - would admit that he is keener than most to see the milestone broken, and quickly. Many inside Europe’s badminton family had hoped the last few years would have broken new ground. Jan O Jorgensen’s historic title win in China – Europe’s first ever in 30 years of the China Open - in 2016, and on the back of a YONEX All England final, was rightly considered a new dawn. But it was Jan’s last title win on the world circuit. AllEnglandOfficial

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EUROPE’S 20 YEAR WAIT!

VIKTOR AXELSEN

RAJIV OUSEPH

HK VITTINGHUS

BRICE LEVERDEZ

There was talk of 2017 being ‘the year’ – experts said there ‘was no better chance’ ; 2018 was to spring new hope until Viktor Axelsen, then World Champion and World number one, was forced to sit out last year’s challenge due to injury.

So it remains the trophy has passed between nine different hands in the 20 years since Gade – but no European hands.

Whilst Spain, Denmark, Russia and England have forged 13 title winning campaigns in other disciplines since the turn of the millennium, the coveted men’s singles trophy at the YONEX All England remains as elusive as ever. There have been glimmers of hope. There have been 16 quarter finals in the past 10 years, featuring the likes of European heavyweights Gade, Axelsen, Jorgensen, Zweibler, Ouseph and Vittinghus - as well as some lesser expected such as Finland’s Ville Lang in 2009. But those super 16 have been whittled down to just a number of semi final appearances you can count on one hand. The last of those five semi finals came courtesy of HK Vittinghus three ago. To compel matters further, the 2018 Championships saw an entire all-Asian line-up from Round Two onwards. 54

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The same was said of the YONEX All England women’s doubles title – barren for 38 years until Kamilla Rytter Juhl and Christinna Pedersen filled the arena with “goosebumps” last March to change all that. The women have rewritten history, so now it’s time for the men to stand up and be counted surely? JAN O JORGENSEN

EUROPE’S 20 YEAR WAIT! The threat remains in red and white. You’d expect nothing less from a nation boasting the legendary likes of Hoyer, Frost, Pri and Kops but there is an overwhelming reliance on the Danish these days as the look to emulate the most recent legend of Gade. For 2019, Viktor Axelsen is back in the mix as the front runner and is rightly installed as the ‘one most likely to’. The Olympic bronze medallist, seeded six, is still looking to rediscover the form and fitness that saw him rule the badminton world but he is best placed to win Denmark’s 21st men’s singles title. He knows all too well that for all his world tour success and 13 finals day appearances, he is yet to set Birmingham alight; a quarter final being his best finish to date. Axelsen leads a pack of four Danes in the world top 25 at present and, remarkably, all of Denmark’s main protagonists feature in the same lower half of the 2019 YONEX All England draw. Reigning champion Shi Yuqi and former world number one Son Wan Ho lurk as the higher seeds but neither will fancy the Danish onslaught. Yuqi has the tougher of the opening draws. His title defence starts against Anders Antonsen – Europe’s second in command, based upon world rankings. Antonsen was one to watch two years ago and in January he turned potential into a podium topping performance on the World Tour. The headband remains but don’t be fooled; he has the game, ruthless streak and killer instincts to become king in Birmingham. At the Super 500 Indonesia Masters in January, he did something few achieved last season; beat Kento Momota in a final to win a title. And Jan O Jorgensen still packs a punch. At 31, Jan O remains as the nearly man at the YONEX All England; three quarter finals, two semi finals and oh so nearly became the man to end the wait when he missed out in the 2015 final to Chen Long in three games. Take a walk away from Denmark, and its thin pickings though. Brice Leverdez, the mastermind behind so many crowd pleasing moments in Birmingham - not least his duel with Lee Chong Wei - is currently best of Europe’s rest at 26th in the world. But Brice, ever the optimist, would admit himself that it would be a long shot for he to add the tricolour to the roll of honour.

ANDERS ANTONSEN

England’s Rajiv Ouseph and Holland’s Mark Caljouw complement the Danish mission albeit from a distance outside the world top 30. Ironically, it was Ouseph – England’s number one - who actually ended Peter Gade’s All England experience, beating him as he did in a very late night encounter on Gade’s swansong in 2012. But it’s been 80 years since an Englishman got his hands on the trophy and Ouseph’s best had been a quarter final in 2015 when hopes were high that he’d beat Sho Sasaki to set up a much awaited semi final. In fact it’s a Swede - Conny Jepsen - who was the last European not to hail from Denmark to lift the trophy; that being 72 years ago at Harringay Arena. These days, just 10 players from four European nations fill the world top 50 and there’s not a Swede amongst them. Europe’s new era does not run particularly deep. There are shoots of hope for the future. Toma Popov of France looks an extraordinary talent at junior level but it will be a while before we know his true value on the senior circuit. For Europe then, however impatient they may get, patience may just be a virtue they will be have to learn to live with for just a little bit longer if the Danes misfire. After all, good things come to those that wait. AllEnglandOfficial

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WOMEN’S DOUBLES

THE CONTENDERS

THERE WERE GOOSEBUMPS APLENTY WHEN KAMILLA RYTTER JUHL AND CHRISTINNA PEDERSEN WON THE TITLE HERE LAST YEAR AFTER YEARS OF GOING SO CLOSE. It was tangible, a collective joy that spread from the court to the stands.

CHAMPIONS ROLL OF HONOUR – PAST 10 YEARS

The Danes, now mummies to baby Molly, are not back to defend their crown and it is the second year running where returning champions are absent from the draw.

2009 Zhang Yawen / Zhao Tingting

This brings opportunities for others.

2012 Tian Qing / Zhao Yunlei

Japan ruled the HSBC BWF World Tour last year winning 11 of 17 titles at Super 500 and above as well dominating the world top order with five pairs in the top 10

2013 Wang Xiaoli / Yu Yang

But with Chinese, Indonesian, Korean and even Bulgarian pairs demanding spotlight, it makes for an open contest.

2016 Misaki Matsutomo / Ayaka Takahashi

WOMEN’S DOUBLES

2010 Du Jing / Yu Yang 2011 Wang Xiaoli / Yu Yang

2014 Wang Xiaoli / Yu Yang 2015 Bao Yixin / Tang Yuanting 2017 Chang Ye Na / Lee So Hee 2018 Christinna Pedersen / Kamilla Rytter Juhl

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WOMEN’S DOUBLES JAPAN

CHANCES TO WIN:

INDONESIA

CHANCES TO WIN:

SAYAKA HIROTA AND YUKI FUKUSHIMA

GREYSIA POLII AND APRIYANI RAHAYU

Japan’s leading pair are all smiles but all action.

The world number four pair bring Indonesia’s best chance to end a 40-year-wait for a women’s doubles title here.

Last year’s runners-up return to Birmingham as 210-day world number ones and with another world silver medal to their name. Gracious and graceful, the two time World Championship finalists won five titles from seven finals on the HSBC BWF World Tour in 2018, including the Indonesia Open crown – a win that showed their pedigree at Super 1000 level. The winning habit has continued into 2019 with the Malaysia Masters Super 500 title already bagged.

The endurance and 435+ career win experience of Polii paired to Rahayu’s unpredictability and explosive style make the world bronze medallists a tricky pair to play. Nine semi finals and four finals in 2018 shows a consistency in performance level which was rewarded with titles in India and Thailand. Throw in the motivation of last year’s first round exit when expected to do well and the Indonesian’s carry a genuine threat to the Japanese.

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WOMEN’S DOUBLES JAPAN

CHANCES TO WIN:

JAPAN

CHANCES TO WIN:

MISAKI MATSUTOMO AND AYAKA TAKAHASHI

MAYU MATSUMOTO AND WAKANA NAGAHARA

The 2016 champions and reigning Olympic gold medallists are now considered ‘veterans’ on the world circuit after 10 years winning titles together.

World Champions! After five years playing together, Mayu and Wakana had a remarkable season in 2018 after reaching the YONEX All England semi finals.

36 world circuit finals down, they remain as world number two and ended last season with victory at the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals in Guangzhou after a 12 months which drew in another five international titles. That’s 22 title wins now at international level. Add in an ever strong appetite for more – as shown in retaining the Indonesia Masters Super 500 title in January – and they are still very much the imposing pair to beat.

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They rose from 32nd to 3rd in the world in the space of 12 months and, following Birmingham, netted the French Open and Spanish Masters titles. But it was their fighting spirit to win the world title – where they saved match points – that brought a new level of limelight. They come to Birmingham with rich Super 1000 finals day experience having enjoyed final two finishes in both China and Indonesia.

WOMEN’S DOUBLES BULGARIA

CHANCES TO WIN:

CHINA

CHANCES TO WIN:

GABRIELA STOEVA AND STEFANI STOEVA

CHEN QINGCHEN AND JIA YIFAN

European champions, the impressive Stoeva sisters take over the reigns as Europe’s leading ladies.

World Champions and world number ones two years ago, the usually energetic pair have lost a little of their bounce in recent months on the world circuit - but you can never dismiss a top quality Chinese challenge.

Now firmly installed in the world top 10, the Bulgarians blend pace and power with fluid rotation – a mix that was most effective in 2018. A Swiss Open final and a host of Super 100 crowns was backed up by a Super 1000 semi final in China and a Super 750 French Open final. 2019 form has not been as lit so far but the ‘surprise package’, as dubbed by the BWF, are more than capable of keeping the title in Europe.

ONES TO WATCH KOREA

LEE SO HEE AND SHIN SEUNG CHAN

They arrive in Birmingham as Asian Games gold medallists and with 2018 HSBC BWF World Tour finals day experience in Malaysia, twice, and Japan. On top form, they are a devilish pair to play, full of understanding, pace and movement with an instinctive style to their game that is difficult to read and counter. They have also won 13 of the 18 international finals they have contested together since winning double World Junior gold together five years ago. The Koreans had an injury hit year in 2018, but they remain in the world top 10 and won the Fuzhou China Open before finishing as runners up in Korea, Hong Kong and Guangzhou. Lee So Hee also knows what it takes to win here – she was 2017 champion alongside Chang Ye Na. AllEnglandOfficial

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CAN YOU TOP THE LEADERBOARD? THINK YOU CAN REACT QUICKER THAN YOUR FRIENDS? CAN YOU JUMP HIGHER THAN THE PERSON IN THE SEAT NEXT TO YOU? DOES YOUR COUNTRY HAVE THE BEST FANS? This year, we’re giving you the chance to prove it! Jump, react and serve your way into the top spot on our leaderboard by taking part in activities in the fan zones on the concourse floor.

Register your details to be sent your unique Activity Code and you’re away! Every score you get will be added to your own personal dashboard but importantly, will also contribute to the fan leaderboard. Simply select which country you are supporting this year, and do your best to help them win! Details on how to register can also be found at each of the activity stands, or ask one of our friendly volunteers.

SERVE CHALLENGE

BADMINTON ENGLAND STAND

How good is your aim? Test your arm and take on our ultimate serve challenge to see what score you can set.

Head to the Badminton England for souvenir programmes, blue pages (results) and player signings throughout the week.

BATAK REACTION CHALLENGE

Also pop along to talk about our brilliant badminton initiatives, membership packages and everything badminton with people who love the game as much as you do!

Have you got the world’s best reaction speed? Take on our hugely popular Batak Challenge and see if you can beat the scores set by some of the world’s best players here in Birmingham.

JUMP WALL Come and take on the jump wall! Can your standing jump take you to new heights and beat the competition? With points to be won for every height you jump, kids and adults alike can test their abilities.

FOOTWORK CHALLENGE Hop, lunge and quickstep your way across our footwork challenge game at this year’s YONEX All England. Have you got the fast feet quick enough to score top points? 60

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YONEX HIGH STREET Love the kit Kevin and Marcus are wearing this week? Fans can enjoy fantastic deals on the latest Yonex kit, equipment and event merchandise on the Yonex Retail High Street.

NATIONAL BADMINTON MUSEUM STAND Take a walk through the 109 years of All England history and find out more about the heritage and legends that has been wowing fans the world over since 1899.

FAN EXPERIENCE

GET INVOLVED | CONCOURSE MAP 01 02 03

05 06

MAIN SPECTATOR ENTRANCE

12 14

11 10

SPECTATOR ENTRANCE (FRI-SUN)

SERVE CHALLENGE

TOTAL FAN AREA

JUMP WALL

FOOTWORK CHALLENGE

YONEX MERCHANDISE

BATAK REACTION CHALLENGE

BADMINTON ENGLAND STAND

YONEX RETAIL OUTLET

05-06 YONEX HIGH STREET

NATIONAL BADMINTON MUSEUM STAND

13-14 YONEX STRINGING TEAM

OFFICIAL RESULTS WALL

Remember to share your experience using #YAE19 on Twitter. We love seeing your photos throughout the week. AllEnglandOfficial

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HELPING HANDS

A SUPER 1000 FAMILY IT TAKES AN ARMY OF DEDICATED HANDS AND HEARTS TO DELIVER OUR BELOVED CHAMPIONSHIPS – WE ARE FORTUNATE, AND IMMENSELY PROUD, TO HAVE JUST THAT TO CALL UPON EVERY YEAR. Badminton’s Greatest Show is a feat of brilliance on a number of levels; a seamless display of entertainment that shows off the splendour of our sport in its best possible light when sat in the stands or walking onto court. But for every feat of skill and agility shown by the players on court, there is an extraordinary display of passion and commitment behind the scenes. For 2019, a family of over 280 volunteers will again ensure everything runs like clockwork so you can sit back and enjoy the drama as it unfolds. The simple truth is that without the army of helping hands – many of whom have helped put on the show for over 40 years - the YONEX All England would certainly not be the show it is. They do not get the spotlight they truly deserve, and many do not necessarily seek or give up their time for it. They would rather leave the limelight to the players.

For me, there is something incredibly special about bringing this family together each year, as without this family, there is no show. It is amazing to be part of it, and it’s the reason I love coming to Birmingham each year for this monumental week, as we celebrate not only the stars of the show as they perform on court, but also our shared passion for sometimes making the impossible, possible. From the stewards and drivers, to the media team and field of play team, each and every one of them work tirelessly. This year, we have a lot of returning faces (a sign that they are happy) and we are seeing an increasing number of international volunteers. That says everything you need to know about volunteering at the YONEX All England. I love having the opportunity to publicly thank and acknowledge the efforts of our volunteers. Everything volunteers do, dedicate, or display is of immeasurable value to not only the YONEX All England, but also Badminton England, and our praise and thanks go to everyone within this very special family. We are a Super 1000 family.

There is little doubt our volunteers are equally as deserving of recognition and praise when we look back at the success of the Championships over the 108 staged years. 62

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Enjoy the show. Chris Miller YONEX All England Championships Director

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2019 YONEX All England Official Souvenir Programme (badminton)

Articles inside

Europe's 20 year wait

Intanon - to the power of three.