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)