Badminton: Sars blamed as world games are called off

The World Badminton Championships, set for May 12-18 in Birmingham, were called off yesterday because of fears over Sars.

The International Badminton Federation said it had taken the decision "with the greatest regret".

Although many sporting events have been affected since the outbreak of Sars, the championships is the first major tournament to be cancelled.

The announcement stunned UK Sport which co-ordinates top events in Britain and had made available £280,000 ($800,000) of lottery funding.

John Scott, UK Sport major events director, branded the decision as "bizarre and illogical, given the assurances provided just 24 hours ago by Britain's Department of Health".

A total of 337 players from 48 countries, including many in China and other Asian nations, had been entered for the championships, which are held every two years.

China, where the Sars outbreak began, is the foremost badminton nation and would have sent a party of 30 players and officials.

The decision among the nine-strong IBF executive board was reached after a day of telephone calls and emails.

The cancellation of the badminton showpiece followed threats by the French and Australian track cycling teams to withdraw from their world championships to be held in Shenzen, China, in July.

The Asian women's soccer championship, due to take place in Thailand last month, will now be played next month, while a series of Olympic qualifiers will be played in September.

English premier league side Everton scrapped their tour to southern China, where the virus is believed to have originated six months ago, that was planned for this month.

Aston Villa, who were also planning a tour of China, followed Everton's lead and cancelled.

Other tours by European clubs are also in doubt.

Racing, rugby, tennis, basketball and volleyball have all suffered as well.

- REUTERS