Malaysian Open falls prey to Asian crisis

Malaysian Open falls prey to Asian crisis

PENANG, Malaysia (Reuters): The Malaysian Open badminton championships starting today have fallen victim to the Asian economic crisis which has cut prize money by US$60,000 and deprived the event of some big names.

The smaller purse of $120,000 this year has made the championship a four-star event, compared to its six-star status last year when it was worth $180,000.

One notable country with top players missing was Indonesia, officials said on Tuesday.

"The Indonesian Badminton Association is badly affected by the economic crisis and that's the reason why they're only sending a limited entry," said Yap Tee Loy, an official with the Malaysian Badminton Association.

Its Indonesian counterpart had also decided to delay the Indonesian Open championships, scheduled for mid in July, to October and moved the venue from Manado, North Sulawesi, to the capital city due to the same financial problems.

Top Indonesians like Hariyanto Arbi, Hendrawan, Joko Suprianto and Indra Wijaya, who were part of the team that won the Thomas Cup this year, are not making Malaysian trip as they used to.

Denmark is also without some of its stars but officials blamed their absence on exhaustion after the recent Thomas Cup finals. Top Danes like Poul-Erik Hoyer-Larsen, Peter Rasmussen and Thomas Stuer-Lauridsen are not playing.

That seems to clear the path for world number one Peter Gade Christensen to make his mark in the tournament.