Cai Yun and Fu Haifeng of China won the World Championship title in the men's doubles event in a match which was later dubbed a "classic".

Zhang Yawen and Zhao Tingting won the World Championship title in the women's doubles event, whilst Thomas Laybourn and Kamilla Rytter Juhl of Denmark won the World Championship title in the mixed doubles event.

[2] Due to security worries Austrian doubles pair Peter Zauner and Jürgen Koch decided against participation in the 2009 BWF World Championships.

COO BWF Thomas Lund said: "I believe it is a matter of concern that teams haven’t been consulting us before pulling out, because all the necessary information is available with us which will allay fears".

[7] Badminton England chief executive Adrian Christy called it "an incredibly tough decision and one we didn't take lightly".