The Ciputra Ha Noi-Viet Nam Challenge will kick off Tuesday with the participation of more than 260 athletes from throughout the world.

As an official Asian Badminton Federation (ABF) tournament, players will strive for bonus points to improve their world ranking while competing for US$15,000 in prize money.

As the host team, Viet Nam will send the biggest contingent of competitors, to be led by top national player Nguyen Tien Minh, who is seed No 2.

Andrew Smith, of England, was invited by the organisers to compete. He ranks 20th in the world and is seeded No 1.

He is expected to reach the men’s final to face against Olympian Minh.

Nguyen Dinh Lan, from the event’s organising board, said he is also placing his trust in young player Le Ha Anh, of Ha Noi.

“Ha Anh has a bright future, as he has good physique and form as well as high admiration for the sport,” Lan said.

“He has participated in several regional tournaments with high results. The 17-year-old is expected to receive a ranking from the Badminton World Federation and we believe he will be another Tien Minh in the future,” he said.

Ha Anh will play Paul Jefferson Vivias, of the Philippines, in his first round.

The tournament will also see world No 42 Kashyap Parupalli from India and No 57 Muhammad Roslin Hashim, of Malaysia.

On the women’s side, Le Ngoc Nguyen Nhung (photo) is the only seeded Vietnamese.

It will be the second international tournament for the Beijing Olympian, who has come out of retirement for the event.

Nhung will face tough competition from No 1 Kaori Imabeppu and No 4 Ayane Kurihara from Japan, No 2 Maria Febe Kusumastuti and No 3 Maria Elfira from Indonesia and Indian No 5 Neha Pandit.

“The tournament is a big step for the local sports department in its bid to socialise badminton in the city,” said Lan, who is also the deputy chairman of the Ha Noi Badminton Federation.

“Through it, young and potential athletes will have the chance to shine and grow while facing international opponents,” Lan said.

The competition is at the Trinh Hoai Duc Gymnasium.

The finals will be on April 26.

VietNamNet/VNS