KUALA LUMPUR -- The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has canceled four tournaments scheduled for September in Asia, including the China Open, due to developments surrounding the spread of COVID-19.

In updating its Tournament Calendar 2020 on Wednesday (July 29), BWF said the cancelled events includes the China Open and Japan Open.

"These decisions to cancel tournaments are made in the best interest of the health of the players, spectators, volunteers and Member Associations. We are deeply disappointed to have to cancel tournaments, but feel that the well-being of everyone involved is most important at this time," said BWF Secretary General Thomas Lund.

"The BWF will continue to adjust to changes to ensure any badminton activity 100% complies to the rules and regulations of the World Health Organization (WHO), local health authorities, and international and domestic travel restrictions," Lund said.

The badminton world governing body and its partners are closely monitoring and adhering to all government guidelines on future tournaments. An update on the remainder of tournaments for 2020 will be made in due course, said BWF.