The Hindu : Sport / Badminton : Top stars confirm participation for Indian Open GP

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Aug 07, 2007
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Sport

Sport - Badminton

Top stars confirm participation for Indian Open GP

Principal Correspondent

HYDERABAD: The $150,000 Indian Open Grand Prix is bound to be the biggest badminton tournament at home not just in terms of prize money, but in terms of participation too.

World No.3, Lee Chong Wei, and World No.5, Bau Chu Wai, have confirmed their participation in the tournament to be held here next month, P. Gopi Chand, National coach, said.

Gopi told the The Hindu that the participation of the Indonesian great, Taufik Hidayat, is almost confirmed.

“Though we are yet to get the complete list of the Indonesians who will take part here, Taufik is more or less certain for the event,” he added.

“Essentially, this Indian Open is bound to showcase the contrasting styles of some of the contemporary greats for the Indians. By all means it should be a great experience for the lovers of the sport,” he said.

Team on Tuesday

Gopi also said that the Indian squad for the Indian Open would be announced on Tuesday in Kochi and that a one-week camp would be held here before the event. “We are optimistic of Rudy Hartono joining the Indian camp by August 25. If that happens, the Indian shuttlers cannot expect a better development,” he said.

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