New skirt rule irks Chinese shuttlers

Badminton's new dress code has irked some of the Chinese female shuttlers, who insist wearing a skirt hampers their on-court movement.

The new Badminton World Federation (BWF) code, that comes into effect from May 1, requires all female players to wear skirts in Grand Prix tournaments and above "to ensure attractive presentation of badminton".

Last year's Asian Championship winner Li Xuerui, is among those who has problems with the new code.

"I did wear a skirt in the All-England tournament last month but it was so big that even affected my performance," she was quoted as saying by Xinhua news agency on Thursday.

Some of the Indian and Indonesian shuttlers are also unhappy with the rule, as is Beijing Olympics doubles winner Yu Yang.

"I don't like wearing skirts. I am not used to them. When I wear a skirt, I don't know how to play," she said.

Compatriot and world number one Wang Shixian, however, is not making a fuss and appeared in a black skirt in her first round victory at the Asian Championship in Chengdu on Wednesday.

"The new rule is effective on May 1 so I am adapting myself to it now," she said.