China's badminton shuttlers "vulnerable" at Olympics (AFP)

by Trudy Harris 3 minutes ago HONG KONG (AFP) - On paper, China's mighty shuttlers look set to clinch a bagful of gold medals in Beijing. Not only do they boast the world's best players, but the Red Army have been boosted by recent thumpings of rivals South Korea and Indonesia at the Thomas and Uber Cups, one of the last major tournaments before the Games. Then there's the home advantage: Thousands of adoring fans are set to pack the Beijing University Gymnasium in August to cheer on the champions - who dominate the sport's top tournaments - as they attempt the historic feat of winning all five golds on offer. But closer scrutiny shows chinks have started to appear in all-conquering China's armour, just weeks before the Games get underway. China's golden couple and world number ones, Lin Dan and Xie Xingfang, have suffered... [read full story]