{
  "id": 1049517,
  "title": "BWF World C'ships: Beyond smashes, drops, the conditions could decide the winner",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/15/bwf-world-cships-beyond-smashes-drops-the-conditions-could-decide-the",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-15T13:53:28.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Times of India",
    "slug": "times-of-india",
    "url": "https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/badminton/bwf-world-championships-beyond-smashes-drops-the-conditions-could-decide-the-winner/articleshow/133263764.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In the upcoming BWF World Championships in New Delhi, external factors such as weather, humidity, and air conditioning may play a significant role in determining the outcome of matches. With Delhi experiencing irregular monsoon showers and humidity levels between 70% and 90%, the air conditioners will be running at high capacity, potentially altering the shuttle's flight path. Some players, like Chinese doubles shuttler, have noted that the current conditions feel different compared to previous tournaments, while World No. 3 Wang Zhi Yi emphasized the importance of adjusting to the drift. Even a slight draft from air conditioning, fans, doors, or ventilation can impact clears, lifts, drops, and smashes, necessitating players to modify their techniques or adopt more controlled shots. Despite some concerns, World No. 7 Li Shifeng praised the court's condition, highlighting its good size and overall well-maintained environment. As the tournament commences on Monday, players will need to contend with not only the speed of their smashes but also the impact of temperature, humidity, and air conditioning on their performance.",
  "summary": "At the BWF World Championships in Delhi, starting from Monday, the biggest challenge may not come from the opponent across the net. Drafts, heat and humidity could prove decisive as the world's best adapt to tricky conditions.",
  "key_points": [
    "Weather, humidity, and air conditioning may influence match outcomes",
    "Delhi's monsoon showers and 70%-90% humidity affect shuttle flight",
    "Players must adjust techniques to account for environmental factors"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}