The Australian Badminton Open has been officially launched in Sydney at the picturesque location of Dawes Point, The Rocks on January 31, 2012.

Special guests included Badminton World Federation (BWF) Deputy President Paison Rangsikitpho, NSW Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner and Badminton Australia CEO Paul Brettell. With badminton on the rise in Australia, Stoner was pleased for Sydney to have won the event over its former host Melbourne. Rangsikitpho was also impressed, “We know that badminton has a huge following in Asia, but it's also growing in popularity here in Australia with more than 150,000 players enjoying the sport." he said at the launch.

This international event is a Grand Prix Gold tournament, one of BWF premier events.

The event is held at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour from April 3 to April 8, 2012. Tickets can be purchased from: http://www.australianbadmintonopen.com.au/tickets.html

More photos of the event can be viewed on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Australian-Badminton-Open/178659102222036 or our website gallery by clicking here.