Two more female foreign-born players quit SBA

But do remember that badminton cannot survive in a vacuum as with most things.

There is a web or network of professional and social relationships.

 

Wonder who sponsored her there?

 

I also saw ZBW's name in the forthcoming Singapore Open list.

 

Fourth spot dashes Zhang's hopes

TODAY


by Low Lin Fhoong
04:47 AM Jun 08, 2011

SINGAPORE - Shuttler Zhang Beiwen's attempt to rejoin the national team has fizzled out, after the 20-year-old finished fourth of six players at the Singapore Badminton Association's (SBA) open trials for the SEA Games last week.

Once ranked the highest in the Singapore women's team at world No 21, the 2008 Vietnam Grand Prix Open champion had hoped to make the cut for the six-member (three men, three women) SEA Games squad bound for Palembang, Indonesia, in November.

However, her fourth place finish in last week's trial have doomed her career with the national team. According to the SBA, a top place finish would have guaranteed an automatic spot in the squad. "She didn't do too well and it's unlikely that she will make the SEA Games team," said a source.

Ranked 115th in the world currently, Zhang will now compete in next week's Li-Ning Singapore Open at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

China-born Zhang has had a troubled relationship with the SBA. Two months ago, the national sports association refused to renew her contract, citing disciplinary issues.

In April 2008, she parted ways with the SBA to compete in Malaysia and Taiwan but returned seven months later. In May last year, she was suspended without pay for three months for poor attitude during training and tournaments, and for failing to carry out her coach's instructions.

Ten months later, she was disciplined again for failing to return to the Singapore Sports School hostel after attending a New Year's Eve party. LOW LIN FHOONG

 

Sorry to say bye-bye to ZBW.

I expected her standard to drop after being away from the Singapore national squad for too long.

 

So you are going to welcome her with open arms?

 

So now you're in charge of BAM and can make the decision without further consultation with your colleagues?

 

ZBW not selected for SEA Games

Straits Times

Aug 8 2011

An extract from the ST, Sport, today under the caption "Salakjit and points in Gu's sights by Lin Xinyi:


"...Meanwhile, the Singapore Badminton Association (SBA) confirmed that Zhang Beiwen will play no part at the biennial (SEA) Games in Indonesia.

The former national shuttler, dropped for disciplinary problems, was among 369 athletes that the Singapore National Olympic Council has approved for the Games thus far.

But SBA chief executive Bobby Lee clarified that the shuttlers were nominated last year, and while Zhang qualifies for the Games, she will not be selected."


This latest statement from SBA's CEO settles once and for all the status of ZBW. She is not in the national team.

 

I suppose SBA has the answer.

IMO I think she is as good as being an independent player and participation in tourneys as indicated will largely be based on her world ranking as a professional. She will probably have to arrange things for hersellf. But in competitions that involve representing the country, such as the SEA Games, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, Olympics, Uber & Sudirman Cups, she is unlikely to be selected by SBA.