For many Filipinos, the Bingo Bonanza Philippine Open Grand Prix Badminton Championships is, so far, the only local event that puts the country in the league of International Badminton.

Despite the tournament’s calendar break in 2008 to give way to the Olympic season, it is now back for its third run.

The organizing committee and major sponsors are optimistic that the 4-star tournament would attract crowds of Filipinos and even badminton enthusiasts from nearby Asian countries.

From July 1 to July 5, the sound of shoes squeaking loudly and rackets swooshing in the air will fill the halls of the Philippine Sports Multi-purpose Arena, as the world’s best players shuttle over the courts—with unbelievable power, speed, precision and agility.

Expected to defend their titles are Philippine Open 2007 Men’s Singles champion, Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia, and also from the same country are defending champions for Men’s Doubles and crowd favorites Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong.

Other title defenders are Indonesian world champions Lilyana Natsir and Nova Widianto for Mixed Doubles, China’s Zhou Mi for Women’s Singles and the pair of Chien Yu Chin/Cheng Wen-Hsing for the Women’s Doubles event.

Arriving in full force this year are top players from Korea, Vietnam, England, China’s 2nd tier and young talents from Indonesia. Top sporting performances from representatives of these countries will definitely add excitement and unpredictability to the outcome of the tournament.

The world-ranking event is a good opportunity for athletes to gain international ranking points, for fresh talents to get the most out of their exposure in an international level tournament and for audiences, especially students, to see world-class players in live action.

The Philippine Open offers a hefty USD120,000 (about P5.7 million) prize. On top of that, all the athletes and other visitors can look forward to the world-famous Filipino hospitality.

Spearheading this Badminton World Federation (BWF) and Philippine Badminton Association (PBA) sanctioned tournament is badminton patron and Bingo Bonanza president, Albee Benitez. Giving their full support are PBA president Mrs. Amelita Ramos and vice president General Edgar Aglipay.

The Bingo Bonanza Philippine Open, is sponsored by Bingo Bonanza Corp., Victor (PCOME Industrial Sales, Inc.), PLDT Business Solutions, Philippine Star, Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza and Solar Sports. Organized by IMG and sanctioned by Philippine Badminton Association.