Marin, winner of five World Superseries titles and the BWF World Championships crown this year, held off competition from Chinese pair Zhao Yunlei and Bao Yixin, and India’s Saina Nehwal. 

She received her award from BWF President Poul-Erik Høyer at a players’ reception and gala dinner, held in honour of the assembled players, sponsors, officials and other guests to the Dubai Superseries Finals, which are due to take place from tomorrow until Sunday (December 13). 

"I thought Zhao would win it because she’s had a great year as well," said Marin.

"I’m very happy, because it’s affirming that you did something great during the year."

China’s world champion Chen Long retained the Male Player of the Year award that he won last year, beating compatriot Zhang Nan and South Korea’s men’s doubles pairing of Lee Yong Dae and Yoo Yeon Seong. 

Chen’s fellow countryman Zheng Siwei was acknowledged as the Most Promising Player of the Year ahead of compatriots He Bingjiao, Chen Qingchen and Huang Kaixiang, and Japan’s Saena Kawakami.

Meanwhile, South Korea’s triple world champion Lee Sam Seop and Norway’s Helle Sofie Sagoy won the Para-Badminton Player of the Year awards in the male and female categories respectively.

It marked the first time that the BWF honoured Para-badminton players at the year-end awards, with WH 1 player Lee holding off competition from SU 5 sport class athletes Cheah Liek Hou of Malaysia and Bartlomiej Mróz of Poland.

Joining SL 4 player Sagoy in her category were England’s SS 6 star Rachel Choong and Denmark’s Julie Thrane, who competes in the SU 5 event.

"It’s been 10 years since I dedicated myself to Para-badminton, and I want to thank BWF for inviting me to this event," said Lee.

"I’m honoured to receive this award.

"I was emotional when I won it because this was the first such award for Para-badminton."

Lee, who took up badminton after he suffered an accident, said it had been a difficult but ultimately rewarding journey.

"It was difficult for the first two years," he added.

"Then I went outside and started looking at others, and realised that there are people who are worse off than me but happy.

"I started looking for sports for rehabilitation and found Para-badminton.

"It made me happy and I started representing Korea.

"Para-badminton released my pain the most.

"I’d never played badminton before my accident.

"I realised this is the sport for me now - this is life for me now."

Walking away with the best dressed male and female awards were Chinese Taipei’s Chou Tien Chen, donning a bow-tie, and Thailand’s Ratchanok Intanon, wearing an off-shoulder dress.


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