Media Release Friday 13 May, 2016 Badminton Stars set to compete in Sydney Get ready for some hot competition as the world’s best badminton players meet in Sydney to compete in one of the world’s most prestigious badminton event, the XIAMENAIR Australian Badminton Open from June 7-12, 2016 at Sydney Olympic Park. Badminton has a huge profile in countries such as China, Malaysia, India, Korea and Indonesia, and the sport is growing in popularity in Australia. Set to air on broadcast channels including GDTV in China, Star Sports in India and NetMedia in Indonesia this year’s event will be broadcasted to more than 250 million homes globally. The XIAMENAIR Australian Badminton Open has drawn a stellar line-u of international players in the event history ready to battle it out in Sydney. Two-time Olympic champion an five-time world champion Lin Dan (China) will be returning to Sydney along with current World No.1 Chen Long (China). Current World No. 1 Ratchanok Intanon (Thailand) and defending women’s singles champion and World No. 2 Carolina Marin (Spain) will be playing in Sydney. Also joining the strong line-u is World No. 1 Women’s Doubles Misaki Matsutomo and Ayaka Takahashi (Japan) and World No.1 Men’s Doubles and defending champions Lee Yong Dae and Yo Yeon Seong (Korea). Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events and Minister for Sport, Stuart Ayres said, “The Australian Badminton Open will be bigger and better than ever in 2016, with a world class field of players assembling i Sydney in jus unde month’s time. With thousand o visitors expected and millions o viewers aroun the world, the Australian Badminton Open promises t provide a huge boost to th NSW visitor economy.” Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer Sandra Chipchase said, “Sydney is a leading international city and the home of major sporting events, and the XIAMENAIR Australian Badminton Open is another highlight on our events calendar that helps cement this reputation.” “Visitors travelling to Sydney for the XIAMENAIR Australian Badminton Open will find a city glowing with illumination and over 80 light installations and projections with the Vivid Sydney, the world’s largest festival of light, music and ideas also takin place during the tournament,” she said. Defending XIAMENAIR Australian Badminton Open Champion, two-time world champion and Olympic Bronze medalist, Chen Long (China) said “I’ve visited Sydney on a couple of occasions, where I have been extremely successful in taking out the winning title. Sydney is my lucky charm and can’t wait to return to compete in the XIAMENAIR Australian Badminton Open.” For further information on tournament details, ticket sales and more visit www.australianbadmintonopen.com.au For media information on Sydney go to www.sydney.com To access the image library and download images go to http://images.destinationnsw.com.au/ Media Release #ENDS# Media Contacts: Laura Kelly, Destination NSW Email: [email protected] Tel: 0 993 116 Mob: 043 13 011.