Baun doubt increases hopes of clean sweep

BIRMINGHAM, England - China's chances of winning five All-England Open titles for only the second time will be enhanced if Tine Baun loses her fight to be ready to defend the women's singles title here this week.

The tall Dane has been battling a persistent heel injury which is threatening her bid to win the world tour's oldest tournament for a third time in four years. It is due to begin at Britain's national indoor arena on Wednesday.

The hard-hitting and often inspirational champion has recently been the only woman capable of resisting a Chinese hegemony which has brought seven of the past 10 All-England women's singles titles.