It's been a bad day for Singapore, not only on the badminton courts but also outside in the open.
Singapore is engulfed by the Sumatran HAZE, which has bedeviled us for a decade and has grown the worst today. Frankly, if the haze pollution is from Singapore, our government will take immediate action to stop it before it deteriorates. Certainly not allow it to get worse for ten years or more. It affects people's health, the economy and bring productive activities to a standstill. I just hope the planes at Changi Airport are not affected.
As I write the psi is above 280, considered a hazardous level! I'm afraid our badminton visitors, especially those from overseas will not be able to enjoy the air and sights, and the best that Singapore has to offer. My apologies.
I'm sure attendance at the SIS for the rest of the tournament will be adversely affected. I was at the SIS this afternoon and when I left a few hours later the haze caught me as well. The cool aircon comfort that I enjoyed earlier was completely taken over by the hot, humid and dusty air that burns the eyes and itches the throat. I buried the thought of returning to the SO for the evening session. Not that I like the "new" interior appearance of the SIS with its darkened atmosphere and new spot lights shining into my eyes and spoil my view of the action on court.
I have closed all my windows and allowed as little wind to come into my flat, yet my eyes and throat still hurt. So I have to resort to drinking more plain water.
Yes this Singapore Open will be remembered, but for the wrong reasons I'm afraid.