KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 29 — The Lee Chong Wei Badminton Championship Cup is targeting to organise one local and one international tournament next year.
Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei, who is also chairman of the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) performance committee, said this year’s organisation is aimed at providing early exposure to international competition atmosphere for young players so that they will not be clumsy when stepping up to a higher level in the future.
“Maybe next year I will target one local and one junior international tournament. As this is my first year, I am learning from this tournament as well,” he said at the Lee Chong Wei Cup Championship at Juara Stadium, Bukit Kiara here, today.
Chong Wei also emphasised the technical details such as the provision of seats for players and coaches at the side of the court to ensure that the quality of the tournament is at the best level in line with professional standards.
He said that the planning for the tournament has been going on since a year ago with close coordination with BAM to ensure that it does not clash with the existing tournament calendar in addition to taking advantage of the school holidays.
The nine-day tournament involves under-13, 15 and 17 age categories with a total cash prize of RM100,000, with the under-17 male and female singles champions taking home RM5,000 each.
Players who register will start the competition at the qualification stage, with the top 32 players advancing to the Grand Finals draw involving 64 players, before being joined by 32 state players who have been pre-selected. — Bernama
