Thailand Open welcomes elite back to Bangkok

After the last-minute cancellation of the 2010 edition, the Thai Open Grand Prix Gold event is back in 2011 to host a star-studded field.  All of the top players from Korea and Taiwan will be there, along with quality contingents from China, Indonesia, Japan, and India.

A look at the likely top seeds tells the tale.  China Open champions Chen Long and Lee Yong Dae / Jung Jae Sung top men’s singles and doubles respectively, while Hong Kong Open champions Saina Nehwal and Wang Xiaoli / Yu Yang will hold court in the women’s events.  Mixed doubles features veterans and home favourites Sudket Prapakamol / Saralee Thoungthongkam.

Women’s singles will be particularly interesting as youngsters Ratchanok Intanon and Porntip Buranaprasertsuk will have their ranks bolstered by Salakjit Ponsana, Sapsiree Taerattanachai and more but will face, in addition to Saina, threats from the likes of China’s Jiang Yanjiao, Lu Lan, and Wang Lin. France’s Pi Hongyan will also be going to try to get back into the seeding positions for upcoming Super Series. She’s been away for 5 months after her knee operation and will return to International competition for the Sudirman Cup in Qingdao

Badzine will be live on site to cover the event, which runs from June 7th to 12th.

To download the complete preliminary entry lists, CLICK HERE