MVP Cup Part II in the works?

Sign that contract — in case you haven’t signed it yet.

Martin van Dooremalen, the European team manager, said the other night that organizers of the MVP Cup Asia versus Europe Badminton Championship shouldn’t hesitate in making this event an annual event.

"I know there’s a contract being signed for three years for this event. So I hope this will continue because as you see here I think it’s quite successful," said Dooremalen of the Netherlands.

The European team captain was quite impressed with the outcome of the event, a first of its kind, where the top players from Asia, considered the stronghold of badminton, are pitted against their European counterparts.

"And I think the players love to be here. They enjoy the atmosphere and the spectators as well. It’s just great," he said of the event, a brainchild of Manuel V. Pangilinan, chairman of the sponsoring Smart and PLDT.

Pangilinan has yet to confirm if indeed there’s a three-year contract for the event. But during last Monday’s press conference at the jampacked Isla Ballroom of the Edsa Shangri-La, he said "that’s the plan."

The format, Dooremalen was quick to say, is just great.

It calls for nine matches — three men’s singles, three ladies’ singles, and one men’s, ladies’ and mixed doubles. They are spread over three days with one point per match offered on the first day, two on the second and three on the last. With a total of 18 points at stake, the team that earns 10 points takes home the shining MVP Cup.

"The format is quite exciting because the consecutive evenings we’re giving away one, two and three points. That makes it a very good format. In fact, even after the second evening it’s not decided yet. You’re just halfway with nine points," he said.

Then there’s the prize — $50,000 to the winning team and $30,000 to the losing team. And the bragging rights, too.

Is it really Asia or Europe when it comes to badminton? The MVP Cup should provide the answer. — Abac Cordero