IBL: Delhi Smashers pick Daren Liew to replace injured Wong Wing

New Delhi: World number 17 Daren Liew of Malaysia today replaced Wong Wing Ki in Krrish Delhi Smashers’ team, following the recent injury of the Hong Kong shuttler at World Championship in Guangzhou. The IBL Governing Council approved the request from Krrish Delhi Smashers after Wong Wing’s unfortunate layoff was conveyed to them by the Hong Kong Badminton Association. “It’s a great feeling to be part of the IBL and I’m looking forward to join my team-mates at Krrish Delhi Smashers,” Daren Liew said. [caption id=“attachment_1020975” align=“aligncenter” width=“380”]  Malaysian Daren Liew is ranked 17th in the world. AFP[/caption] Krrish Delhi Smashers CEO Kartikeya Rao said Liew will add value to his team. “Daren Liew is one of the most exciting players to watch in the sport and we hope to benefit enormously with this association. We also wish the injured Wong Wing Ki speedy recovery and a great future.” Badminton Association of India (BAI) President, Dr Akhilesh Das Gupta, said: “The unexpected injury to Wong Wing Ki has paved the way for another talented shuttler to be a part of the IBL. We welcome Daren Liew to the League and hope he will make his presence felt with his brilliant talent.” The ‘Commercial Partner’ of IBL, Sporty Solutionz CEO, Ashish Chadha, said: “It’s overwhelming to see the response from players around the world for the Indian Badminton League. Daren Liew comes as a great addition to the League in place of the injured Wong Wing Ki.” The USD 1-million Vodafone IBL is set to launch on August 14 with Krrish Delhi Smashers taking on Pune Pistons. The 2013 edition will feature six franchises and the League will showcase a grand total of 90 matches. The top four franchises in the League will clash in the semifinals and the winners will meet in the grand final in Mumbai on August 31. PTI