Dutch decline chance to go for gold

(BEIJING, July 28) -- With athletes worldwide looking forward to competing with the top players in their sport, and countries aiming to maximize their medal count, it seems odd that the Netherlands Olympic Committee (NOC) decided against adding World No. 18 Yao Jie to their roster to compete in the Women's Singles event.

World No. 18 Yao, who previously played for China, recently had an incredible victory over World No. 1 Xie Xingfang a few weeks ago in Jakarta. Before a recent knee injury, Yao was ranked in the world's top five.

Marcel Sturkenboom, director of sport for the NOC, explained that while Yao qualified for the Games according to Badminton World Federation (BWF) standards, she did not reach the qualification targets which had been set by the NOC in joint cooperation with the Dutch Badminton Association (NBB).

So, despite strong appeals from Yao and the NBB, there will be no Dutch shuttlers competing in Beijing, even though just four years ago Netherlands player Mia Audina won a silver medal in Women's Singles.

Once confirmed by the BWF, Yao's vacancy should be given to the player next in line, Hadia Hosny of Egypt.