Chen Long ranks first in BWF Olympic qualification

Beijing, Jan 22: Badminton World Federation (BWF) updated the latest ‘Race to Rio’ Olympic qualification rankings with Chinese shuttlers Chen Long taking first place in men’s singles and Zhang Nan/Zhao Yunlei maintaining top place in mixed doubles.

According to the rules of qualification, in the singles event, if all athletes from one country are ranked between 1 and 16, this country will be awarded a maximum two quota places. In doubles, if all pairs from one country are ranked between 1 and 8, this country gets maximum two quota places (four athletes), reports Xinhua.

In men’s singles, Lee Chong Wei ranks second while two-time Olympic champion Lin Dan ranks seven. In women’s singles, Wang Yihan, Li Xuerui and Wang Shixian of China rank 2-4 and Spain’s Carolina Marin ranks first.

China takes up two top-8 places in men’s doubles and three in mixed doubles. But in women’s doubles, only one pair from China get a berth in top 8. Luo Ying/Luo Yu rank 3. Tian Qing/Zhao Yun rank 14 and Yu Yang/Tang Yuanting rank 24. (IANS)