Xu Huaiwen, the world’s No. 4 ladies singles player, is expected to lead Germany’s bid in the $120,000 tournament that has attracted badminton-playing nations such as Malaysia, Singapore, India, Canada, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, England, Vietnam, Austria and host Philippines.
The Philippine Badminton Association and the organizing img have been coordinating with the Asian Badminton Confederation to secure new commitments from as many nations as possible with still four weeks left before the staging of the four-star tournament sponsored by Bingo Bonanza Corp. and JVC. Organizers expect more countries to sign up after the ongoing Thomas Uber Cup in Japan, including China, the United States and hopefully Denmark.
The RP Open, a four-star tournament, marks the first time that an IBF championship is held in the Philippines, thus giving local players the rare chance to obtain world-ranking points.
The Asuncion siblings — Kennie and Kennevic — will spearhead the locals’ bid in the event, which also serves as tune-up for those competing in the Indonesia Open, a six-star tournament, and two five-star events — the Malaysia and Singapore Opens — slated after the Philippine Open.
The img is expecting close to 200 players from 20 countries to compete in the event, held under the auspices of the PBA and backed by Jam 88.3, 99.5 RT, Magic 89.9, 103.5 K-Lite, Wave 89.1, Snickers Chocolate, Toby’s Sports, The STAR, Badminton Asia, Inquirer Badminton, Fossil Watches, Bacchus Energy Drink, Accel, Yonex Sunrise, Crowne Plaza, the official hotel, and Solar Sports, the official TV partner.
Tickets are available at all Ticketworld outlets and are packaged in the following categories: May 24-26 Category 1 (P200); Category 2 (P150); Category 3 (P100); Category 4 (P50); Gallery (P10); May 27-28 Category 1 (P500); Category 2 (P350); Category 3 (P250); Category 4 (P150); Gallery (P20). Tickets purchased earlier will still be honored on the new event dates, according to img.
Inquiries: PBA, Badminton Hall, Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, P. Ocampo St,, Malate Manila c/o Joel Maborang at +63 926 5973222 or send an e-mail to joebm_13@yahoo.com and aglipay@globequest.com.ph or log on to the event’s website on http://www.philippineopenbadminton.com.