.. Badminton set to showcase Auckland and NZ to the world Andrew Dewhurst, FuseworksFebruary 27, 2014 http://nz.news.yahoo.com/a/-/top-st...set-to-showcase-auckland-and-nz-to-the-world/ Excerpts: International badminton will return to New Zealand following confirmation today of SKYCITY as Principal Partner of the SKYCITY New Zealand Badminton Open for a second consecutive year in a tournament that will be seen by millions in Asia alone. ...SKYCITY returns as principal partner and official hotel for the tournament and SKYCITY Auckland General Manager John Mortensen says the SKYCITY NZ Badminton Open is a fantastic event that brings world-class players to New Zealand. "We are proud to return as the principal sponsor of this event, which is truly reflective of not only Auckland’s diverse community but also our guests here at SKYCITY Auckland. "We have seen this event gain real traction within the Asian community and also further afield, and it’s great to be part of the team that brings this growing group of international athletes to New Zealand’s biggest city." Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) is a valued major partner of this year’s event. ...Event Director Julie Carrel is delighted to have both SKYCITY and ATEED on board alongside other sponsors in an event that truly recognises and enhances Auckland’s reputation as a multi-cultural city - and one that is fast becoming known as a major events city and vibrant visitor destination. "We are delighted to have secured the support of SKYCITY and ATEED to the SKYCITY New Zealand Badminton Open; both are crucial partners to the success of what is a significant international event for Auckland. "We will also this year enjoy the support of three new partners in OnePure as official water supplier, e-babycare as a major sponsor and X-TRM as official equipment and apparel sponsor while the New Zealand Chinese Sports Association is also investing in the tournament. "All our partners and sponsors see the value in partnering with an event with such a strong presence in the Asian community, both here during the tournament and overseas thanks to the television and media coverage." ...The tournament will be broadcast live in New Zealand on SKY Sport on Saturday 19 April from 1pm to 5pm and will beam live into Asia to Southern China, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines with other markets still to be confirmed. Already however, confirmed coverage will reach over 15 million households.
It is a GP, not GPG. Too bad that it is held in the same week as China Masters GPG. Given that there are so many cancellations this year, somehow BWF managed to put two non-cancelled events in the same week. Also in the same week will be an International Series event in Indonesia.
It's more for the benefit of the organizers and fans not to be distracted. Further more, if it is in a different time slot, although Tang YuanTing would not be back to defend her title, Ou DongNi may. That should draw up some interest.
