A TOTAL of 18 teams will vie for RM103,600 in prize money at this year’s Penang Chief Minister’s Cup Badminton Championship and the inaugural redONE Challenge Cup.
The two-day championship this weekend, at Penang Chinese Recreation Club will see 13 teams comprising 130 players compete in the Chief Minister’s Cup, while five teams from Malaysia, Thailand and China will take part in the redONE Challenge Cup.
The total prize purse comprises RM23,000 for the Chief Minister’s Cup and US$20,000 (RM80,600), for the Challenge Cup.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the Chief Minister’s Cup would enter its fourth and final edition under his administration this year.
“Although this will be the final edition under the name of the Penang Chief Minister’s Cup, I hope that the spirit of sportsmanship, friendship and cooperation that has been fostered throughout these four editions will continue to grow within Penang’s sporting community,” he said during a press conference at Komtar.
“The number of participating teams is maintained at 13 to ensure that the competition can be conducted smoothly according to the prescribed format.
“The tournament will retain its round-robin format involving four groups, with the quarter-finals scheduled for the first day, followed by the semi-finals and final on the second day,” Chow said.
Each team must field players in four categories – Men’s Doubles Combined 65, Men’s Doubles Combined 95, Open Women’s Doubles and Open Mixed Doubles. Players range in age from 21 to 67.
Chow said eligibility requirements also remained unchanged, with active national and state players barred from participating, while former state players who were no longer active were eligible.
The Chief Minister’s Cup champion will receive RM10,000, while the runner-up will take home RM7,000 and the remaining two semi-finalists RM3,000 each.
Participants will also stand a chance to win prizes through a lucky draw.
Meanwhile, Chow welcomed the introduction of redONE Challenge Cup that would feature teams from Malaysia, Thailand and China.
He hopes it will further strengthen ties among players from the participating countries.
“The value of the tournament extends beyond the pursuit of victory.
“Sports can provide opportunities for people to remain active, build networks and strengthen relationships,” he said.
The Challenge Cup offers US$10,000 (RM40,300) for the champion, US$7,000 (RM28,200) for the runner-up and US$3,000 (RM12,100) for third place.
Chow said he was proud of the tournament’s development since its inaugural edition.
He also thanked the sponsors for their continued support.
The championship is jointly organised by the Batu Kawan MP’s Service Centre, Padang Kota State Assembly Service Centre and Timuran Football Club.
