World's best on show at local badminton tourney

Jamaica, determined to be a force to be reckoned with globally in the sport of badminton, will stage its second annual Jamaica International Badminton Tournament, featuring a stellar cast vying for Rio 2016 Olympic qualifying points and US$6,000 in cash prizes.

It will take place at the National Indoor Sports Centre from March 17-20.

Action will take place in Men's Singles, Women's singles, Men's Doubles, Women's Doubles and Mixed Doubles.

World 74th-ranked Martin Giuffre of Canada, reigning singles male champion, will be back to defend his crown.

Cuba's 60th-ranked Osleni Guerro is expected to feature, as well as 66th-ranked Howard Shu of the United States.

Among the females, last year's runner-up, Zuzana Pavelkova of the Czech Republic, is slated to participate as are world number 58 Jeannine Cicognini of Italy and Telma Santos of Portugal.

Local hopefuls will be led by many-time champions Gareth Henry and his sister, Geordine Henry; Mikaylia Haldane; Garron Palmer; Sean Wilson; Samuel Ricketts; and Katherine Wynter.

Jamaica Badminton Association president David Thomas said that local players would relish the opportunity and may even spring surprises as they seek to improve their level of play and competitiveness.

Speaking at yesterday's launch at the Jamaica Olympic Association, Denzil Wilks, general manager of the Sports Development Foundation, implored Jamaicans to support a world-class event.

"When you approach the Independence Park facilities to the latter part of next week and you see flags and feather banners on the western side of the facility, please recognise that Champs is not the only activity taking place. Let us join them as our little but tallawah country stages two huge championships simultaneously," he said.