Masters meet slated for Jan 8-13
>> The new badminton season will kick off with the Princess Sirivannavari Thailand Masters 2019 next month.
The BWF World Tour Super 300 event will offer a total prize money of US$150,000 (approximately five million baht).
The event will be held at Hua Mark Indoor Stadium from Jan 8-13.
Thai shuttlers will hope to have results similar to last year when they produced their most successful campaign by claiming three titles.
Nitchaon Jindapol, Jongkolphan Kititharakul/Rawinda Prajongjai and Tinn Isriyanet/Kittisak Namdash delighted the home crowd last year at Bangkok’s Nimibutr Stadium after winning the women’s singles, women’s doubles and men’s doubles honours respectively.
Thailand’s badminton chief Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul urged fans to turn up in large numbers to support Thai players in the tournament.
“The tournament will again feature many world-class players,” said Patama.
“It will be a good chance for Thai players to gain world ranking points from their home tournament which will boost their Olympic qualification prospects.”
BONUS FOR UBER CUP STARS
The Thai Uber Cup team and coaching staff received a 14-million-baht bonus from Tourism and Sports Minister Weerasak Kowsurat for their superb run at this year’s championship.
The team wrote a new chapter in Thai badminton history by reaching the final for the first time in 61 years.
Although they lost to eventual champions Japan in the title match, their remarkable campaign included a stunning upset win against holders China in the semi-finals.