Found this while browsing the Net. http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/clbp/message/420 Looks like Han, Bach, Guwanan, Heranyto, Wijaya and a few others might be touring the US to market the game.
It's awesome that they can promote such an event. That'll certainly help with the profile of the game in the U.S. Now if an event like this can be staged in Canada, that would be a shot in the arm for the game. Wishful thinking?
Here is the content, taken from the link.. noticed the name i've put in bold... this is news to me..there is no news yet out of PBSI(Indonesia), but hmmm, what does this mean??is this just purely special trip/vacation for candra wijaya(as i've heard him mentioning he might come back to U.S. again)??...anyone wonder why he will be there??.. and i don't really want to bring this topic back again, but remember all those talks in this BC forum, after the World Championship this past August??... From: clbp@yahoogroups.com Date: Wed Sep 21, 2005 4:37 am Subject: World Badminton Showdown in Mowtown? asian_dude Offline Send Email The copy of the email below has been forwarded to us. The event is still being planned but it makes for good badminton in the Midwest! [Thanks to Iwanto Teng for the info!] -- CLBP Moderators ---- From: Richard Teo/SCI/DCC/DCX Date: 09/20/2005 04:09PM Subject: Motown showdown 2006 On behalf of Richard Teo, Lilly Feng and Joe Barbario I am excited to announce that next years Northville Open will be a tournament you will NOT WANT TO MISS..... Did any of you miss the world championships in CA this year? Have no fear... the champs are coming to Detroit... Everything from last years tournament will still be the same only thing is PRIZES will be BIGGER AND BETTER and we're also having an event called "World Badminton Showdown in Mowtown." This event will feature, World Champions Tony Gunawan and Howard Bach, as well as ex-world champions Halim Heryanto, Candra Wijaya and USA superstar Kevin Han. 1.QUESTION: How did SHOWDOWN in MOTOWN get started? ANSWER: I recently got off the phone talking to Kevin Han and he was extremely interested in helping to promote the game of badminton here in Michigan. Me, Lilly Feng, Richard Teo, and Joe Barbario are partnering up with Kevin Han to bring this event here in the Northville Open. The exciting news is Kevin Han, Howard Bach, Tony Gunawan, Halim Heryanto and Candra are expected to sign a contract next week stating for sure that they will come during the Northville Open. Kevin will be calling me tomorrow to give me the exact that date that they will be coming. 2.QUESTION: Who else is expected to come? ANSWER: Nothing is set yet with the ladies... We are also trying to get Bang Soo Hyun of South Korea (1992 silver medalist, 1996 Gold medalist in Olympics women singles), Etty Tantri (Tony's wife who was a world class player) and Ye Zhoahing (China's women singles former 2 time world champion). Those are in the works at the moment... 3. QUESTION: How will this be paid for? Where is the money coming from? ANSWER: All proceeds from the Michigan Open will go to the funding as well as sponsors who will help promote this event.... Before Motown Showdown, Bach, Han, Gunawan, Heryanto and Wijiya will be stopping by the Ann Arbor badminton club to hit a few birds, play a couple pick up games with local players, and possibly try to tour a couple other clubs in Metro Detroit Area. If you are a leader of any club, please email me and if you're interested in getting some of these players to visit your club write me a email. THIS EVENT IS FREE... FREE TO WATCH, if you're entering in the tournament it's NOT FREE and it will be held at exactly the same time as the tournament. Friday night, we will have the sr. and open mens singles... Saturday's schedule will be different. Open and sr. doubles will still go on but at 3:00 PM the Showdown in Motown will start... The IDEA of this event will sort of be like Sudirman Cup style. There will be two teams playing for the MICHIGAN CUP! Teams consist of: This roster is not totally set, but this is the ideal roster according to Kevin Han and I. RED: Coach: Tom Camichael Tony Gunawan Howard Bach Raju Rai (Currently number 1 singles player in US) Etty Tantri (possibly) BLUE: Coach: Martin Barnes Halim Heryanto Candra Wijya Kevin Han Bang Soo Hyun (possibly) Matches: Singles: Kevin Han VS Raju Rai Women's singles: Etty Tantri VS Bang Soo Hyun Mens doubles: Howard Bach and Tony Gunawan VS Halim Heryanto and Candra Wijaya Mix doubles: Raju Rai and Etty Tantri VS Candra Wijaya and Bang Soo Hyun Tie breaker: Tony Gunawan vs Halim Heryanto None of the superstars will be playing in the tournament, but after they compete for the Michigan Cup they will spend the next 2 to 3 hours playing pick up games with anyone who participates in the tournament in the other Northville gym which is down the hall from the main gym. That's right.... if you want to play mens singles against Tony Gunawan or mens doubles against Tony Gunawan and Howard Bach this your chance. Any of the 8 superstars will love to play any pick up games.... It doesn't get better than this.... than having the 8 ELITE WORLD CLASS players here in Northville. Within a week or two we will announce the set date for this tournament so you can mark on your calendar. Thanks, Dan
