RP Open to boost local badminton, says Taufik

Reigning Olympic and world champion Taufik Hidayat has lauded the staging of the first Philippine Open Badminton Championships, saying the event will further raise the level of play here and at the same time help develop local players of world-class caliber.

"From what I’ve seen, the physique of Filipinos is identical to most of the world champions whom I have played with. The only element needed for major success by Filipino players is more international competitions," said Hidayat.

The Indon ace, who became the first player to win both the Olympic and world singles crown, is expected to lead the foreign challenge, which includes Nathan Robertson, Gail Emms, Lin Dan, Pi Hongyan, Mia Audina Tjiptawan in the upcoming Philippine Open slated March 1-5 at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Hidayat, widely regarded as one of the best singles players in the sport, was actually scheduled to grace the launch of the $120,000 event last week, being its chief endorser, but the five-time Indonesia Open winner begged off at the last minute after sustaining an injury.

Still, he praised the holding of the championship, saying he’s raring to renew ties with the Filipinos and play before the local crowd after he saw action, along with the other world-caliber players, in the MVP Cup last year.

"I am happy to play in the Philippines because it is one of my favorite places in Asia," said Hidayat. "The world of badminton is getting more and more competitive. The Philippines now needs to develop its own IBF Open event in order to produce world class players."

The RP Open, sponsored by Bingo Bonanza, is a four-star tournament, marking the first time that an IBF (International Badminton Federation) event is held in the Philippines, thus giving local players the chance to obtain world-ranking points.

Organized by IMG and backed by JVC, the event is expected to lure over 200 players from 25 countries since it will also serve as a tune-up for the China Masters, a six-star tournament slated the week after the RP Open.

Other backers are The Philippine STAR, Inquirer Badminton, Badminton Asia, Solar Sports, Jam 88.3, 99.5 RT, Magic 89.9, 103.5 K-Lite, Wave 89.1, Snickers, Toby’s Sports, Fossil Watches, Bacchus, Yonex Sunrise and Crowne Plaza, the official hotel. 

Inquiries: PBA, Badminton Hall, Rizal Memorial, Joel Maborang at +63 926 5973222 e-mail to [email protected] and [email protected] or log on to www.philippineopenbadminton.com