Shenzhen to host 2012 Superseries Finals

The southern Chinese city of Shenzhen will host the 2012 BWF World Superseries Finals, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) reported in a media release yesterday.  The early June timing of the decision marks the earliest announcement yet of a host venue for the annual event, which sees a total prize purse of US$500,000 distributed among 40 of badminton’s top players and pairs.

This is the second year in a row that China will play host to both the world team championships and the World Superseries Finals.  Last year’s Li Ning BWF World Superseries Finals, held in Liuzhou, attracted the biggest crowd attendance since the event was first played in December, 2008.

“We understand that the current uncertain economic climate in the western part of the world has made it more challenging for many to host major events, while China is not only in a favourable position but also offer a strong and sturdy fan base for the sport to remain confident in garnering local support to stage major events,” said Director of Chinese badminton and Badminton World Federation Vice-President Liu Fengyan, according to the BWF media release.

The event attracts the top 8 players and pairs in each of badminton’s five disciplines, based on ranking points accumulated throughout the calendar year in the twelve tournaments of the OSIM BWF World Superseries.

“We believe that Shenzhen is an excellent choice to host the 2012 season-ending tournament for the sport’s commercial series,” the media release quotes BWF Secretary General Thomas Lund as saying, “as what the city represents aligns with the new BWF brand as the BWF have in 2012 also rebranded to stand for modernity, efficiency and strength, and we are only pleased that Shenzhen carries that flavour.”

Click here to read the complete BWF media release on the selection of Shenzhen