Jakarta: After the 2016 Thomas & Uber Cup finals coming to a close in Kunshan, China on May 22, 2016, as many as 320 shuttlers will be going to Indonesia in their hunt for five titles and US$900,000 in prize money in the week-long 2016 BCA Indonesia Open Superseries Premier.
Set to be held less than three months ahead of the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics, shuttlers from 24 countries have confirmed their participation in the tournament in Jakarta from May 30 to June 5.
The 2016 BCA Open will provide the richest purse in the tournament’s history as the total prize money available has increased from USD $800,000 to USD $900,000.
While Indonesian shuttlers are eyeing to claim the titles at their home turf, Indonesian Badminton Association ( PBSI ) development division head Rexy Mainaky said he just wanted his shuttlers to enjoy the tournament.
“The seven-day tournament would be an opportunity to evaluate shuttlers likely to compete at the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro in August,” said Rexy.
Yan Harijadi, a representative from the Djarum Foundation, added that spectators should expect to witness a fierce competition among players as they’re also preparing for the Rio Olympic Games.
The last time hosting shuttlers won the Indonesia Open was in 2013, when Mohammad Ahsan and Hendra Setiawan won the men’s doubles title.
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