ABA Cup open badminton begins today

Dubai: The ABA Cup UAE Open Badminton tournament will commence from today at Muhaisana Etisalat Academy Sports and Leisure Club.

"One hundred and sixty seven players will be competing in seven different categories. This is the first time that Etisalat Academy is hosting a tournament of such magnitude," remarked General Manager David Brennan.

The seven categories for the event are: men's singles, veteran doubles and singles (over 45), boys 12 to 16, boys singles (under 12), mixed doubles and men's doubles.

"The tournament will conclude on May 1 and the final will be played in the presence of Indian badminton star Sania Nehwal," said R. Geetalaxmi, CEO of ABA.

"On Fridays the matches will be held from 9am till 9pm and on other days the matches will be held from 7.30pm to 10.30pm. The winners will receive cash awards of Dh2,000 and Dh 1,000.