Get set for the Yonex Australian Badminton Open from April 3-8, 2012, in Sydney, with LIVE coverage produced by IMG Media, for the semifinals and finals played over Saturday and Sunday.

The Australian Badminton Open is the most prestigious event in the Australian badminton calendar since its original 'Silver Bowl' days back in the 1970s. The Australian Badminton Open was upgraded to 'Grand Prix' status in 2009 (US $50,000 prize money), and again to 'Grand Prix Gold' in 2011, which attracts US $120,000 prize money, the highest of any event played in the Oceania region.

Yonex has confirmed their continued title sponsorship of the Australian Badminton Open, along with strong support from strategic partner Destination NSW. The organising committee has successfully secured the amazing location, Sydney Convention and Entertainment Centre, Darling Harbour, as the venue for the 2012 Yonex Australian Badminton Open.

Being one of the last major tournaments offering precious Olympic qualification world ranking points, we can expect top players from over 30 countries to compete in this event. All five disciplines will be contested, men and women singles and doubles, and mixed doubles.

Some of the countries expected to compete include Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Mauritius, Netherlands, Norwar, New Zealand, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Scotland, Singapore, Switzerland, Thailand, Chinese Taipei, USA, Vietnam and more.

Sydney's Darling Harbour is a wonderful location and may set the benchmark of hosting badminton tournaments throughout the world. Huge support is already been received from our committed badminton volunteers across Australia. There will be many officials from overseas who will also be participating in the event.