2018 All England Open: Tournament Preview
The 2018 All England Open is all set to begin on Wednesday in Birmingham. Top badminton players, around the world, are gearing up for the prestigious event. However, men's world number 1 Viktor Axelsen misses out the tournament due to an injury. From India, PV Sindhu, Saina Nehwal, Kidambi Srikanth and HS Prannoy will be seen in action. Here's more!
All England Open completes 25 years in Birmingham
The All England Open, which is the oldest badminton premier tournament in the world, will celebrate its 25th year of being held in Birmingham. The tournament used to be held earlier in London. The prize money, this year, is $1 million.
Tough draws for Saina and Sindhu
Saina Nehwal will be up against Chinese Taipei's Tai Tzu Ying, who is seeded one in the tourney. Saina trails Ying 5-9, in their 14-career meetings. PV Sindhu too has been handed a tough draw with a possible clash with Nozomi Okuhara in the quarters. Sindhu will face Thailand's Pornpawee Chochuwong in the opening round. Sindhu had beaten Chochuwong previously in their only meet.
Srikanth looks to earn maiden All England crown
Number 3 seed Kidambi Srikanth will be looking to pocket his first ever All England Open crown despite being in a tricky draw. Srikanth will open his account against France's 31-year-old Brice Leverdez, ranked 23 in the world. Srikanth has the chance to clinch the numero uno ranking if he goes all the way. He had an excellent 2017 campaign winning major titles.
What's in store for Prannoy and Sai Praneeth?
HS Prannoy has a difficult initial hurdle when he takes on Chinese Taipei's Chou. He has lost to Chou in all three previous meetings. Meanwhile, Praneeth bumps into number 5 seed Son Wan Ho of South Korea.
