Grand Prix kicks off tomorrow, shuttlers from 27 coutries

Hyderabad, Mar 31 (UNI)About 230 players from 27 countries would be vying for the title in the 1,20,000 dollars Yonex Sunrise India Grand Prix Gold 2008, beginning at Gachibowli stadium here tomorrow.

Amidst the controversy of not many of its players being given an opportunity, India is staging its first grand prix tournament, carrying qualification points for the Beijing Olympics, in the capital city.

Ten of the top 15 ranked players in the world will be in action at 120,000 dollars tournament, the first-ever world badminton Grand Prix to be held in India.

Yonex Ltd, Japan and Sunrise Pvt Ltd, Singapore were the title and main sponsors of this prestigious tournament organised by Badminton Association of India (BAI) in association with Radha Realty Corporation and NEB sports.

Being the last Grand Prix before Olympics, it has become a qualifying event and the players are looking for an opportunity to boost their chances of confirming their place to Beijing in August 2008.

Top names in the world of badminton including women's singles world number one Xie Xing Sang and world number three Zhu Lin would be seen in action.

Malaysia is sending the biggest squad of 35 players. Indonesia, China, Korea and England have also sent big squads.

UNI AP RAR HT2126