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In a significant development, Badminton World Federation on Thursday announced that the BWF World Tour finals is heading back to Guangzhou from December 11 to 18, later this year. Notably, China will host its first international event since COVID-19 outbreak in 2019.
BWF Secretary General Thomas Lund commented on the development stating that it's a positive step for sports to return in the country. "The fame red courts of Tianhe Stadium will welcome the top eight players and pairs in each category at the season-ending finale as they compete for their share of the biggest prize pool ever seen in badminton - US $1.5 million," BWF said in an official release.
With VICTOR China Open 2022 (Super 1000) and Fuzhou China Open 2022 (Super 750) cancelled, upcoming tournaments in October and November will be the final opportunity for players to qualify for Guangzhou.
"Unfortunately, it was not possible to move forward with plans to stage the two tournaments in Changzhou and Fuzhou. It’s been a vital year for badminton, and we are extremely proud we have been able to deliver a majority of our BWF World Tour stops. The focus now moves to the remaining BWF World Tour and BWF Tour tournaments with big points on offer over coming weeks," Thomas Lund further stated in an official release.
He further thanked government of China for extending its invitation to the world's top badminton players and assured every stakeholder for a 'spectacular event with the highest standard of player safety and comfort.' "Guangzhou has staged two spectacular editions of the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals in 2018 and 2019 and we look forward to putting on another grand show for our loyal fans in China," Thomas Lund further added.