World number one Long among contenders for BWF Players of the Year Awards

Chen Long could win the Male Player of the Year title for the second successive year ©Getty Images

China’s Chen Long has been nominated for the Male Player of the Year title at the Badminton World Federation (BWF) annual awards, due to take place ahead of the World Superseries Finals in Dubai.

The Players of the Year Awards are set to be held at a players’ reception and gala dinner on Monday (December 7) at Al Badia Golf Club and will see Para-badminton players honoured for the first time.

Long, the singles world number one, is expected to be the overwhelming favourite to win the men’s award for the second consecutive year having proved a dominant force throughout the duration of the season.

The 26-year-old successful defended his world title in Jakarta, as well as claim five World Supeseries titles and play a key role in China’s defence of the Sudirman Cup in front of a home crowd.

His doubles partner Zhang Nan has also been nominated for the men’s award, having aided their 3-0 triumph over Japan in the final of the team event, while he won six World Superseries crowns and the World Championship gold medal alongside Zhao Yunlei in the mixed doubles.

South Korea’s men’s doubles pairing of Lee Yong Dae and Yoo Yeon Seong complete the list of contenders having won four World Superseries titles in the closing half of the year.

World Championship finalists Saina Nehwal (left) and Carolina Marin (right) are in contention for the women's award ©Getty Images

Women’s singles rivals Carolina Marin of Spain and India’s Saina Nehwal are set to battle for the women’s award.

Current world number one Marin is the favourite, having won the Yonex All England Championship and retained her singles world title during an excellent season.

Nehwal, defeated by Marin in the World Championship final, has been nominated having won her home leg of the World Superseries in Delhi and making finals of the All England Championship and the Thaihot China Open.

Last year’s winner Zhao Yunlei and her Chinese team-mate Bao Yixin complete the list of candidates after enjoying superb seasons on the doubles circuit.

Japan’s Saena Kawakami is the only non-Chinese nominee for the Most Promising Player of the Year award with the 17-year-old being joined by He Bingjiao and Chen Qingchen.

Huang Kaixiang and Zheng Siwei are the two male players in contention.

Meanwhile, South Korea’s WH 1 player Lee Sam Seop faces competition from SU 5 sport class athletes Cheah Like Hou of Malaysia and Poland’s Bartlomiej Mroz for the inaugural Male Para-Badminton Player of the Year honour.

England’s SS 6 star Rachel Choong, Norway’s SL 4 player Helle Sofie Sagoy are vying for the women’s title alongside Denmark’s Julie Thrane, who competes in the SU 5 event.

The evening is also set to feature special player prizes for the best dressed male and female players.