IBF likely to end `dead’ matches

There is also a possibility that `dead’ matches will be eliminated for the final tie of the Thomas and Uber Cups qualifying zones and perhaps of the Sudirman Cup as well.

The meeting is likely to discuss the possibility of year-long annual Thomas and Uber Cup competitions like Davis Cup in tennis, which could increase the marketability of the game.

The IBF is also expecting record crowd at the Sydney Olympic Games 2000. The seating capacity is likely to be increased from 6,000 to 7,000. The expected full house is likely to witness best possible matches in the later stages, thanks to the changes in the seedings and schedule.

There will be eight seeds in all five events, regardless of entries received. There will be a rest day in all events before the semifinal rounds.

The IBF, which has decided to stay tough on drug cheats, will also discuss proposals to seal escape routes. It has not only endorsed the anti-doping declaration presented at the International Olympic Council’s World conference at Lausanne in February, but the federation’s executive committee is considering proposals to make it more tougher.

The executive panel would seek to ensure that no escape clause be implemented in the declaration. The IBF wants to prevent the “ignorance clause” from becoming a possible defence against the positive drug test.

Players to be disciplined: Four of the world’s top mixed doubles players face disciplinary action following their performance during the final group `A’ match at Baiduri World Grand Prix finals at Brunei in February.

Korea’s Kim Dong Moon and Ra Kyung Min (winners) and Michael Soggard and Rikke Olsen of Denmark were cautioned by referee Torsten Berg. Berg later submitted a report indicating that both the pairs were not playing within the spirit of the game.