All England feast still specter-free

LONDON: One of the best line-ups for years graces the 99th All England badminton championships at Birmingham's National Indoor Arena this week.

The China pro-league, due to start by the end of 2009, could potentially cream off Chinese top players from future Super Series tournaments like the All England.

But for the moment the threat remains a specter as eager fans gather for arguably the sport's most venerable tournament. Sunday's finals and the semifinals on Saturday are sell-outs.