RP Open fitting tuneup for World Championship


The 2007 Bingo Bonanza Philippine Open Badminton Championships is expected to lure a star-studded cast from around the globe with the $120,000 tournament serving as the last major tournament before the World Championships, thus making it a ‘must’ event for those priming up for the world tilt.

Slated July 18-22 at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City, Metro Manila, the RP Open has attracted early birds Pi Hongyan of France and England Andrew Smith, who have confirmed their participation to play in the five-day championship, which will also feature the Philippines’ top and promising shuttlers.

Pi is currently No. 7 in women’s singles in the world ranking with the Chinese native coming off an impressive runner-up finish in the Yonex All England Super Series last March.

Although she had failed to defend the Singapore Open crown just recently, Pi, a semifinalist in the Yonex German Open and a quarterfinalist in the Wilson Swiss Open, remains one of the players to watch in the event sponsored for the second straight year by Bingo Bonanza.

Smith, on the other hand, is raring to improve on his quarterfinal finish in last year’s inaugurals of the Philippine Open as the 2006 Vietnam Open champion hopes to come out strong in the event and contend for the title.

The world No. 14 Smith will also be trying not only to gain ranking points but also gain momentum for the World Championships slated August 13-19 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The 2007 Bingo Bonanza Philippine Open will also serve as an Olympic Qualifying event where players shoot for important ranking points to qualify for next year’s Olympiad in Beijing.

Organized by IMG (International Management Group and held under the auspices of the Philippine Badminton Association, the RP Open will be played after the Thailand Open, another Grand Prix gold event slated July 3-8 in Bangkok and the China Super Series set July 10-15 in Chengdu City.

Malaysia’s Hafiz Hashim, who outplayed his brother Roslin in the final to capture the men’s singles crown in last year’s RP Open inaugurals, is expected to be back to bid for a second straight title, along with Sania Nehwal of India, who humbled a talent-laden field to snatch the ladies title.

So do the defending men’s doubles pair of Albertus Susanto Njoto-Yohan Hadikusuma Wiratama of Hong Kong, and the defending ladies tandem of Jo Novita and Gresya Polii as well as the mixed doubles pair of Sudket Prapakamol-Saralee Thoungthangkam of Thailand, who humbled local favorites Kennevic and Kennie Asuncion in two tight sets to bag the crown.

Meantime, the organizing IMG, which has a wealth of experience in running successful high-profile badminton events, said registration is now ongoing with the deadline set on June 12.

All entries must be made on an Entry Form and sent via mail, fax or email to PBA (Philippine Badminton Association) Badminton Hall, Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, Malate, Manila, Philippines; tel. Nos. 632 303 1070; 632 3382431 or fax: 632 303 1070; Email: joebm_13@yahoo.com.