Tata Open badminton attracts big field

The top attractions among them are women’s world no 19 Eriko Hirose of Japan, who is seeded no 1, and men’s top seed Alamsyuah Yunis from Indonesia, currently ranked no 26 in the world, it was announced at a media conference on Monday.

According to badminton legend Prakash Padukone, whose academy is organising the event in conjunction with the state body MBA, shuttlers can earn valuable points that would be counted for the world rankings ahead of next year’s Olympics.

“I am delighted with the response for the event. As compared to last year when there were 25 foreign entries this year we have 75 and the bulk of them are from badminton powerhouses Indonesia (24) and Malaysia (18),” Padukone said. “This is one of the tournaments for earning Olympic qualifying points that can be earned till April 30 next year. Points secured in the tournament will be counted for world ranking that will ultimately decide the Olympic qualifying points,” he added.

India’s Guru Sai Dutt, world no 47, is the man drawn to meet the Indonesian top seed in the final on December 18 while PV Sindhu, ranked 42nd in the world, is the no 2 seed in the women’s section with Hong Kong’s Chan Tsz Ka, ranked one place below the Indian, seeded no 3.

Barring Ajay Jairam and P Kashyap, the front runners among men to earn an Olympic berth in singles, and top woman shuttler Saina Nehwal, other top players have entered. The first day is reserved for qualifying round matches and the main draw play commences on December 15.