5 former world #1s headed to Canada Open

The entry lists for the Canada Open Super 100 event were published today, revealing that the men’s doubles draw will feature no fewer than 5 former world #1 shuttlers, including the long-awaited debut of two new veteran pairings from Denmark.

Photo: Badmintonphoto

The Canada Open has a history of punching above its ranking-point weight in terms of attracting talent.  The 2019 is no exception, particularly in the men’s doubles discipline.

After several false starts, Canada may finally be the site of the debut of Denmark’s two new veteran pairs.  Mathias Boe and Carsten Mogensen were to have gone their separate ways after the All England but despite being entered in different events in the spring, they have not yet appeared on court and it is now at the same event that Boe is expected to begin playing with Mads Conrad-Petersen, while Mogensen’s debut will be with Mads Pieler Kolding.

But Boe and Mogensen will not be the only former world #1s in the men’s doubles draw in Calgary, and certainly not the only former top ten players.  2014 World Champions Ko Sung Hyun and Shin Baek Cheol will continue their journey in Calgary, as will Lee Yong Dae and Yoo Yeon Seong.  Lee and Yoo have not played together since December 2017 but their 2019 debut is expected to be next week in Sydney at the Australian Open.

From BWF records, this would appear to be the first time competing in Canada for either Boe or Mogensen, who do, however, have a U.S. Open title to their name.  Lee, Ko, and Shin – the only one of these 6 who has never been ranked #1 in the world – were all in the Canada Open way back in 2011 but Yoo Yeon Seong was last on court there 15 years ago, at the 2004 World Junior Championships.

The top of the list for men’s doubles is dominated by Chinese Taipei, however, as they have their top 3 pairs in attendance.  Between them, the top Indians, and the Danish and Korean veterans, they will have Canadian champions and home favourites Nyl Yakura / Jason Ho-Shue surrounded.

Women’s singles should also be interesting, with 3-time winner Michelle Li expected to be tested by the likes of 2017 champion Saena Kawakami and New Zealand Open winner An Se Young.  Meanwhile, women’s doubles features yet another partner shuffle of two top Korean pairs, as well as reigning World Junior Champions Liu Xuanxuan / Xia Yuting, and some other talented but little-known Chinese shuttlers.

Click here to download the Canada Open entry lists from the BWF website