The HSBC BWF World Tour Super 300 event, which offers a total purse of US$210,000 (B7.24 million), will be held at Nimibutr Stadium from Jan 31-Feb 5, Badminton Association of Thailand (BAT) president Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul told a press conference.
Thailand’s world No.9 Kunlavut Vitidsarn will be the highest-ranked player in the men’s singles, reports the Bangkok Post.
World No.6 Ratchanok Intanon, No.10 Busanan Ongbamrungphan and No.12 Pornpawee Chochuwong will lead the Thai challenge in the women’s singles.
World No.5 Jongkolphan Kititharakul/Rawinda Prajongjai and No.9 Benyapa Aimsaard/Nuntakarn Aimsaard will be among the favourites in the women’s doubles.
Some of the world’s top players will join them in the tournament including Spain’s Carolina Marin, China’s Han Yu and Canadian Michelle Li in the women’s singles, and Chinese stars Shi Yuqi and Lu Guangzu in the men’s singles.
The winners will receive trophies graciously donated by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya. Patama said the event is being held in honour of the Princess.
Her Royal Highness is a former national team player who won the title in the women’s team event at the 2005 SEA Games.
Patama also said the event will help boost the country’s economy.
The draw will be made today and the tournament will be televised live by TrueVisions.