Eligibility date has been set at May 19, 2005. The world rankings at that point is used to allocate entries. All five events are 64-draw. An association (country, generally, so to speak) can only have a maximum of 4 players/pairs for each event. A pair of mixed associations will constitute half entry for each of the two associations. In each of the five events, 1. IBF has the right (which may not be excercised) to nominate a wild card entry. Must be in line with maximum 4 total entries per association. 2. The host (USA) has the right (which may not be excercised) to nominate a wild card entry. Not restricted to just USA entry. Must be in line with maximum 4 total entries per association. 3. The top player/pair from each of five continents (Asia, Oceania, Europe, Africa, Americas) will qualify. The entry constitutes one entry from that national association. 4. Ranked 1 to 8 - an association cannot exceed 4 total entries. 5. Ranked 9 to 24 - an association cannot exceed 3 total (including from Rule 4) entries. 6. Ranked 25 to 150 - an association cannot exceed 2 total entries. 7. Ranked 9 to last - considered once again until draw fulfilled, but in line with maximum 4 entries per association.
The tournaments that count towards the rankings on May 19, 2005 will be roughly those after mid-May 2004. Just before this date were the Thomas and Uber Cup Finals (May 7-16), so these tournaments will not be counted. The first tournaments that will be counted towards the rankings are the Spanish and Vietnam A-grade tournaments. Major tournaments (in 2004) that will count are Malaysian (4*), Olympics (7*), US (1*), Dutch (2*), Denmark (5*), German (2*), China (6*), Singapore (5*), Taiwan (2*) and Indonesian (2*). Forthcoming major tournaments (before May 19, 2005) are Korean (6*), German (3*), All England (4*), Swiss (3*), Japan (5*) and Sudirman Cup (Team event).
You can get competition rules here. http://www.worldbadminton.net/Portal/desktopdefault.aspx?tabid=80
