INQUIRER Sports

JOHOR BAHRU, Malaysia – Defending champion Taufik Hidayat of Indonesia is a no-show at this week's Asian Badminton Championships -- the last tournament for Asian players to earn Olympic qualifying points.

Hidayat, who won the title in 2000, 2004 and 2007, was seeded fifth for this year's meet, which kicks off with the first round on Wednesday, and compatriot Sony Dwi Kuncoro, who was seeded sixth, has now moved up a rung.

However, in Monday's draw there was no change in the top four with world number one Lin Dan of China the top seed while Malaysia's Lee Chong Wei is second. China's Bao Chunlai and Chen Jin, the reigning All-England champion, are in third and fourth place.

Indonesia team manager Luis Pongoh said Taufik did not travel with the team to Malaysia after claiming a back injury, but he did not rule out other factors behind his late withdrawal.

"That was what he told us but there could be other reasons. For one, Indonesia are giving the Thomas Cup Finals serious attention. That could also be a reason for his withdrawal as he wants to regain the Thomas Cup for Indonesia after losing to China twice in the last two Finals," he said.

In his absence, Indonesia will be banking on two other seasoned shuttlers in Sony Dwi Kuncoro and Simon Santoso.

On a possible showdown with Malaysian ace Lee in the final, Lin said: "It is a big tournament and Chong Wei is always a danger. It has been close affairs in our previous meetings."

It is only the second time that Lin is competing in the Asian championships, after Manila in 2001 where he finished runner-up.

"I want to play in Malaysia at least once before the Olympics. I have not been playing well of late," he said.

The Chinese ace is also intent on helping his country retain the Thomas Cup when the Finals are held in Jakarta from May 11-18.

"It is always different and difficult playing in Indonesia. The Indonesians are very passionate people when it comes to badminton, especially when playing at home. You have to control your emotions when playing in front of the Indonesian crowd."

Meanwhile, the women's singles event lost some of its glitter with the withdrawal of China's four top players -- Zhang Ning, Xie Xingfang, Zhu Lin and Lu Lan.

In their absence, Hong Kong's Wang Chen has been promoted as the top seed while Malaysia's Wong Mew Choo now takes second seed.

In the men's doubles, Malaysia's Choong Tan Fook-Lee Wah Wah, who are gunning for a hat-trick of titles, were given the top billing.

The second-seeded pair are the All-England champions Jung Jae-sung-Lee Yong-dae of South Korea.