Saina and Kashyap are doubtful in participating India open because of new restrictions imposed by BAI for players to undergo 14 days quarantine period. So, they have to be in India by March 10 to participate in India Open which is scheduled to take place on 24th March. Srikanth lost the match and he is in thought of skipping Swiss open and participate in India Open. Many players played only 1st round matches and lost the match and thinking of returning to india. Kashyap's request has been sidelined. So, guys , dont be optimistic. Even indian players' participation is doubtful. BAI tried many times asking BWF to postpone the tournament due to unavailability of players, but BWF is very strict that they asked Indian administration to continue as planned.
in the hosting contract there is a penalty payable to bwf for canceling a tournament within a certain time frame, unless the tournament is shut down for reasons beyond the control of the host, ie. by order of the government. for a wt 500 the fine is at least $100,000 usd. the unavailability of players is not a valid reason. in bwf's eyes you can run a tournament w/ as few as 2 entries per draw, but there has to be at least 8 to receive ranking points. BWF Statutes, Section 5.3.3.1: WORLD RANKING SYSTEM 9. Entries 9.1 The main competition must include Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles. However, the BWF reserves the right to accept Tournaments which do not comply with this requirement. 9.2 The number of entries in each Event draw in the main competition (first published version of the main draw) must be at least: Men’s Singles 8 Players Women’s Singles 8 Players Men’s Doubles 8 Pairs Women’s Doubles 8 Pairs Mixed Doubles 8 Pairs 9.3 In World Rankings if the minimum number of entries is not met in an Event (clause 9.2), that Event will not be included in the World Ranking. Example: if Women’s Singles had six entries only in the draw, but the other Events had 10, Men’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles would be included, but not Women’s Singles. If this happens the BWF also reserves the right not to accept the Tournament for World ranking in the following year. 9.4 In order to count for the World Ranking the main draw competition of each Event (first published version of the main draw) must include at least one entry from a Member other than the host Member of that Tournament or that Event will not be included in the World Ranking.
The tournament organiser I think might somebody from BWF and fly in from another country. Wonder if than still hold the competition without the bwf rep.
Yeah. Even I wonder that. Mandatory 14 days quarantine and cancellation of visas of certain countries will affect BWF officials as well. Anyhow, I am guaranteed some 100+ ranking guy or girl will win india open for sure.
BWF will make a decision at a later time. Given the packed calendar, it would be difficult to slot these tournaments.
@badmuse any info on the whats happening 1. Agus arrived? 2. MS, WS training or left (I mean PVS, SN, KS, BSP) ? I hope I am not more concerned about the practice than players itself lol.
. Other country players are practising . BTW 14 day quarantine period is for those who tested +ve right?
