Mega offer by BAM

THE BA of Malaysia (BAM) are ready to splurge a whopping US$1.35 million (RM5.8 million) in total prize money for two major tournaments in 2018.

In order to increase attraction, BAM have written to the Badminton World Federation (BWF) informing them about the increase in prize money in hopes of winning the bid.

The four-year Super Series cycle ends next year before the new cycle begins with slight changes in 2018.

BAM general manager Lawrence Chew said that while the purse for the Malaysia Open is set at US$1 million, the Malaysia Masters total prize money would go up to US$350,000.

Next year’s Malaysia Open in Kuching, Sarawak offers a total of US$600,000 while the Malaysia Masters in Sibu is set at US$120,000.

“We have written to BWF and will know sometime in January if we are shortlisted to present to them. The finalised list of hosts will only be announced in March,” said Lawrence yesterday.

Beginning 2018, tournaments have been broken into five different levels. Major tournaments — which includes the World Championships, Thomas and Uber Cups and Sudirman Cup — are in Level One, followed by Super Series Premier, Super Series and the World Super Series Finals in Level Two.

The minimum prize money for a Super Series Premier starts at US$550,000 with a US$50,000 increase each year.

Following yesterday’s BAM council meeting in Port Dickson, Kuhing’s Perpaduan Stadium has been chosen to host the Malaysia Open next year.

Due to ongoing renovations at the Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil, BAM chose to go ahead with Perpaduan Stadium after the Sarawak state government agreed to help financially in the hosting of the event. By Fabian Peter