Asian satellite championship from today

By Kalyan Ashok

BANGALORE, AUG. 7. Ever since Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy and consumer electronics giant, BPL, forged a bond to promote badminton in the country, there has been a change in the game's fortune and it is in fitness of things that they finally bring home an international championship to town. The Asian satellite championship, which gets underway at the sprawling KBA complex from Wednesday, is an answer to the prayers of the city's badminton aficionados, who were yearning to witness some international class game.

Satellite tournaments are the spring board for international success for aspiring stars. They are below the Grand Prix events, but it is several notches up over the National championships. There will be about a dozen satellite events in Asia this season, though in Europe, the scene is awash with satellite events.

The four day BPL Asian satellite at Bangalore will carry an overall prize money of $ 10,000 with the men's winner taking $ 1200 and women's champion $ 900. The finals are slated on August 11.

From the Indian point of view, it is an event which should test the mettle of our players. The Indian stars are no longer in awe of foreign competition and BAI's policy of opening doors to overseas tours, had paid rich dividends with a string of good performances in European circuit by our players over the years, which finally culminated in the triumph of Pullela Gopi Chand in the All England championship. Unfortunately Gopi Chand who would has been the hot favourite for the men's title doesn't figure in this championship as he is playing World Grand Prix finals in Brunei, where he is the seed No.4.

Another notable absentee in the men's section will be Abhinn Shyam Gupta, who has opted out as he is down with fever. The former women's National champion Manjusha Kanwar, who is recovering from a knee injury, too will not be in the fray. Another one to miss Madhumitha Bhist, the former National champion, who is now doubles specialist. But their absence apart, there is enough strong Indian challengers, which include the in- form, Siddarth Jain, who is the second seed, Chetan Anand, No.3 seed, Sachin Ratti, Nikhil Kanetkar and Jaseel Ismail.

In the women's section, Aparna Popat, will return to the international arena, after missing out on the Malaysian and Indonesian Open tournaments recently. Though the National champion's ranking has plummeted following her absence from the international circuit, Aparna is in good nick and should a big favourite.

The other women contenders are the top seed, B.R. Meenakshi, the wiry lass with her attacking style, will eying her maiden satellite singles title at home. Divya Ramesh, too is very much around, seeded No.4, the local girl will be out to prove a point or two about her capability. The other main Indian cast includes the promising juniors, G. Jwala and Shruthi Kurien.

Andrew South of England spearheads the foreign challenge. The 21 year old, South has been finalist on the European circuit and he looks forward to make the third, a winning one here. The two other young Britons Mathew Shuker and Mark Burgess are also seeded at No.4 and 5 here. There are a sprinkling of Thai, Malaysian and Hong Kong players in the tournaments, mostly from the junior ranks, who are out for a good exposure. Surprises, if any should come from the Malaysians, the youngsters, from that super power off the game, had played Grand Prix events also earlier.

The organisers have decided to stick to the best of 15 point format, though best of seven points / five games is very much in vogue all over the international scene now. Explaining the rationale behind the move, Mr. Muralidharan, the Chief referee said that this is to conform with Senior ABC Championship's format which will be played on best of 15 points. ``After the senior ABC, on August 26, the BAI will switch over to best of seven points / five games format in the local tournaments,'' said Mr.Muralidharan.

The men's draw would have a field of 32, which include eight qualifiers while the women's singles field is 16, with 12 direct entries and four qualifiers. The men's doubles is 16, with 12 direct entries and four qualifiers, the women's doubles and mixed doubles, have 11 and nine direct entries only. There will be no qualifying rounds in these two events.

The main draw event will begin on Thursday after all the qualifying ties on Wednesday. The qualifying matches will be played on best of 21 points in the men's section and best of 15 points in the women's section.

lThe seedings: Men's singles : 1.Andrew South (Eng); 2.Siddarth Jain (Ind) ; 3.Chetan Anand (Ind) l;4.Mathew Shuker (Eng); 5.Mark Burgess (Eng ) ; 6.Anupap Thirartsakul (Tha) ;7.Lok Tin Tam (HK);8.Jakrapan Thanathiratham(Tha).

Doubles : 1. V.Diju /Sanav Thomas (Ind) ;2.Rosman Razak/ Ng Kean Kok (Mas) ;3.Kitpon Kitik /Sudket Prapakamol (Tha );4.Markose Bristow / Vijaydeep Singh (Ind).

Women's singles : 1. B.R.Meenakshi (Ind ) ;2.Aparna Popat (Ind ) ;3.Salakjit Polsana (Tha);4. Divya Ramesh (Ind).

Doubles : G.Jwala /Shruthi Kurien (Ind) ;2.Siu Ching Man/ Li Wing Mui ( HK).

Mixed doubles : 1.Sandeep Choutha / B.R.Meenakshi (Ind);2.Su Ching Man/ Lok Tin Tam (HK).

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