Europe shuttlers to join GP final

Europe shuttlers to join GP final

JAKARTA (JP): The International Badminton Federation (IBF) has
decided to allow eligible European shuttlers to compete in the
Badminton Grand Prix final next February although they failed to
take part in three tournaments outside their continent.

"Their failure to play in three tournaments outside Europe as
required by article 11 of IBF ruling was considered a force
majeure due to cancellation of tournaments in China, Hong Kong,
and Singapore," secretary general of the Badminton Association of
Indonesia (PBSI) Leo Chandra Winata told reporters on Monday.

"The cancellation has prevented European players from meeting
the minimum participation in cross-continent tournaments."

Other Asian stops on the grand prix series include the Japan
Open, Malaysian Open and Indonesian Open, but the tight schedule
of the tournaments within a season force players to carefully
select their schedules.

The new IBF ruling requires a player to compete in at least
seven tournaments, which must include three tournaments outside
his or her continent.

Leo said due to the force majeure, the IBF would pick players
who have collected minimum points requirements this season for
the grand prix final.

The grand prix final will take place from Feb. 14 through Feb.
18 in Bandar Seri Begawan.

The season-ending tournament is limited to the world top 16 in
the men's singles category, top 12 in the women's singles
division and best eight teams in all doubles events. (nvn)