Six players who shone during the BWF Superseries

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  • Sport360 looks back at last year’s Super Series action and picks out six star shuttlers.

    What do you make of our picks?

    LEE CHONG WEI (MALAYSIA)

    World No1 Lee Chong Wei is one of the greatest badminton players of all time and continues to capture the imagination of the millions of fans who follow the sport worldwide.

    The 34-year-old had another solid year in 2016, sealing victories in Malaysia, Indonesia and Japan.

    The Malaysian would have liked to have finished his year on a winning note but he was beaten by Viktor Axelsen in the semi-finals in Dubai.

    Lee Chong Wei.

    Lee Chong Wei.

    JAN JORGENSEN (DENMARK)

    Despite securing only one winner’s trophy this year, Jorgensen finished top of the Destination Dubai Rankings for his consistent displays throughout the campaign.

    The Dane’s win over Chen Long in the China Open final brought plenty of confidence as it was only his second victory over the former world number one at the 11th time of asking.

    He also reached finals in Indonesia and Japan but suffered defeats to Chong Wei on both occasions – a player he is only beaten once in 18 matches.

    Jan Jorgensen.

    Jan Jorgensen.

    VIKTOR AXELSEN (DENMARK)

    Considered by many as the next generation of badminton superstars, Axelsen finished the season on a positive note after winning the Dubai World Superseries Finals – his first Superseries crown in seven attempts.

    The 23-year-old sensationally knocked out Chong Wei in the semis before beating Tian Houwei in the decider.

    He reached the final in India in April but lost in straight sets to Kento Momota.

    With the new season commencing in just two months, this will prove to be a seminal year for the big Dane.

    Viktor Axelsen.

    Viktor Axelsen.

    TAI TZU-YING (CHINA TAIPEI)

    The best player on the women’s circuit, Tai Tzu Ying, had a phenomenal year with successes in India, Hong Kong and Dubai.

    She also reached finals at Malaysia and Denmark but was beaten by Ratchanok Intanon and Akane Yamaguchi respectively.

    The Chinese Taipea shuttler plays with a consistency and pace which is frightening and will be bidding to continue her sparkling form when the new season resumes.

    Tai Tzu Ying.

    Tai Tzu Ying.

    PV SINDHU (INDIA)

    An impressive year for the rising star. Sindhu cruised to the China Open title and finished second in Hong Kong, where she lost to Tzu-Ying.

    Her performances in Dubai were outstanding, and although she was beaten in the semi-finals against Sung Ji-hyun, the Indian sensation can take major confidence from her sheer class and determination.

    With a large Indian population living in the UAE, the court at Hamdan Sports Complex is like a home away from home for the 21-year-old Hyderabad native.

    PV Sindhu.

    PV Sindhu.

    RATCHANOK INTANON (THAILAND)

    The former world number one had a sensational start to the season, winning three out of the opening four tournaments, but then injury curtailed virtually the entire second-half of her year.

    The Thai star was forced to pull out of Japan, Korea, France and Hong Kong due to a knee tendon issue.

    In Dubai, the 21-year-old failed to reach the knock-out stages after losing her three group games, but warrants a place on the list due to her majestic first half of the season.

    Ratchanok Intanon.

    Ratchanok Intanon.

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