Pictured: Oliver Leydon-Davis and Anona Pak, New Zealand, competing at the Sydney International 2019. Photo credit: Luis Veniegra Photography
Badminton Oceania (BOC) is delighted to bring international badminton back to the continent in the last quarter of 2022, following two years of frustrating tournament cancellations due to the global COVID-19 pandemic and the associated tight border controls across the region.
Alongside our member associations and respective state associations Badminton Australia, Badminton New South Wales, Bendigo Badminton Association, Badminton New Zealand, Badminton North Harbour and Badminton Manawatu, BOC is preparing to welcome players from across the globe back to the region. The last time a string of grade three tournaments toured through Oceania was in September 2019 at the Perth, South Australia and Sydney International tournaments.
This year, four grade three tournaments will take place with increased prize money and world ranking points on offer as they comprise of two International Series and two International Challenges:
- 2022 Sydney International – 5-9 October 2022 (International Series)
- 2022 Bendigo International – 12-16 October 2022 (International Challenge)
- North Harbour International – 19-23 October 2022 (International Challenge)
- Manawatu International – 1 – 4 December 2022 (International Series)
As per the latest BWF regulations, International Challenge tournaments are the highest caliber within the grade 3 continental circuit, offering the most prize money and world ranking points. Similarly, the International Series tournaments are the next tier down, one higher than a Future Series tournament – which were last part of Oceania’s calendar in 2019.
The 2022 Sydney International will return to Sydney Olympic Park, while Bendigo will be hosting an international tournament for the first time. Manawatu last held an international tournament in 2002, when their township of ‘Wanganui’ hosted the New Zealand Open which was an International Series at the time. The North Harbour International last took place in 2019 as a Future Series, but in 2022 it will return as an International Challenge.
“The pandemic has shaken the tournament calendar globally and it has taken strong levels of perseverance to maintain and grow badminton’s presence across Oceania. The events are the showcase of our sport and we are incredibly excited to welcome players back to Oceania’s courts where they can compete once again. A special thanks to our members and hosts for assisting the implementation of these tournaments”, says Badminton Oceania Event Advisor, Loke Poh Wong
“I would like to thank our members and players for their patience for us to announce the grade three tournaments in the region for 2022. We have been working hard; in conjunction with Badminton Australia and Badminton New Zealand, to pull these tournaments together and it is with great delight to confirm that for the first time we have two international challenge tournaments being held in the same year in Oceania. It is also very heartening to see two new hosts; Bendigo and Manawatu joining experienced hosts in Sydney and North Harbour”, says Badminton Oceania Secretary General, Julie Carrel
“On top of these tournaments there is also the Australian and New Zealand Opens giving our players the opportunity to play in six international tournaments within two months in the region meaning they can earn some much-needed world ranking points as many players have not played in international tournament since February 2020. We are all excited to get back into tournament play and cannot wait to bring these tournaments to life later in the year”, says Julie.
A tournament prospectus and entry links will be provided over the coming months. In the meantime, keep an eye on our 2022 events page, social media and monthly eNewsletter for the latest updates.
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