Chinese legend Lin Dan has launched an all-expense paid tournament called the King Cup International Badminton Open to the world’s top 20 men’s singles shuttlers, complete with a lucrative prize money.
The five-time world champion had previously organized the Lin Dan Cup in September, but the King Cup which is set to be hosted in Shenzhen, China will exclusively be staged for the world’s best men’s singles shuttlers.
To make it more attractive, Lin Dan is also making the King Cup an all-expense paid event, with the participants' travel and accommodation taken care of.
“We will provide them with business class tickets when they fly into Shenzhen for the tournament,” said the former world number one, who also explained the players will get to warm-up and train in a high class facility owned by him and his wife Xie Xingfang.
The champion alone will receive 1.1 million RMB (RM679,004.52), which would surpass the prize purse of other tournaments.
“The amount actually exceeds the prize money rewarded by all BWF tournaments. My role has changed from athlete to organizer, and I hope all professional players can have higher income in the future. Earn higher prize money based on your ability,” said the two-time Olympic gold medalist.
The tournament is likely to be hosted next year.
One shuttler who Lin Dan wants to invite is former Japanese world champion Kento Momota.
“I am looking forward to inviting Momota to join this tournament next year. Because this is the King Cup, in my heart, he is a king!”
The press conference for the King Cup is scheduled to be held on November 29.
The five-time world champion had previously organized the Lin Dan Cup in September, but the King Cup which is set to be hosted in Shenzhen, China will exclusively be staged for the world’s best men’s singles shuttlers.
To make it more attractive, Lin Dan is also making the King Cup an all-expense paid event, with the participants' travel and accommodation taken care of.
“We will provide them with business class tickets when they fly into Shenzhen for the tournament,” said the former world number one, who also explained the players will get to warm-up and train in a high class facility owned by him and his wife Xie Xingfang.
The champion alone will receive 1.1 million RMB (RM679,004.52), which would surpass the prize purse of other tournaments.
“The amount actually exceeds the prize money rewarded by all BWF tournaments. My role has changed from athlete to organizer, and I hope all professional players can have higher income in the future. Earn higher prize money based on your ability,” said the two-time Olympic gold medalist.
The tournament is likely to be hosted next year.
One shuttler who Lin Dan wants to invite is former Japanese world champion Kento Momota.
“I am looking forward to inviting Momota to join this tournament next year. Because this is the King Cup, in my heart, he is a king!”
The press conference for the King Cup is scheduled to be held on November 29.
