BADMINTON will be Phuket's latest big-arena sport with the staging of the Phuket Dunlop Open 2009 from August 5-9.
While Europe and the US have a preference for tennis, badminton is Asia's most popular racquet sport.
The 700,000 baht prizemoney for Phuket's first big tournament should attract some of the region's top players and make for a high standard of competition.
Play will begin at 9am each day at the Saphan Hin Badminton Stadium in Phuket City, concluding at 8pm.
Already 600 players have signed on, and more are anticipated, with expats welcome.
There's a 600 baht entry fee, and two passport-sized photos as well as proof of age are required.
Age categories run from the Under Nines through to Under 18, then Over 35, Over 40, Over 45, Over 50 and Over 55.
Some categories include both men's and women's titles, doubles and mixed doubles.
The stadium contains seating for about 500. The competition has been organised by the Phuket City Tessaban and the Badminton Association of Phuket.
More details are available from Khun Amnauywit Putnak on 081 6932441.
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While Europe and the US have a preference for tennis, badminton is Asia's most popular racquet sport.
The 700,000 baht prizemoney for Phuket's first big tournament should attract some of the region's top players and make for a high standard of competition.
Play will begin at 9am each day at the Saphan Hin Badminton Stadium in Phuket City, concluding at 8pm.
Already 600 players have signed on, and more are anticipated, with expats welcome.
There's a 600 baht entry fee, and two passport-sized photos as well as proof of age are required.
Age categories run from the Under Nines through to Under 18, then Over 35, Over 40, Over 45, Over 50 and Over 55.
Some categories include both men's and women's titles, doubles and mixed doubles.
The stadium contains seating for about 500. The competition has been organised by the Phuket City Tessaban and the Badminton Association of Phuket.
More details are available from Khun Amnauywit Putnak on 081 6932441.
King of the Jungle Surf Title, Kamala, August 14-16
Photo Album Surfers are crowding Phuket's beaches this monsoon season as interest grows in board riding. Phuket is a great place to learn to surf in Summertime.
King of the Jungle Surf Title, Kamala, August 14-16
Phuket Golfing Legend's Big Birthday Drive
Latest Phuket online business pioneer Blair Speers is a golf addict who plans a personal best for his 40th birthday with 100 golfing buddies . . . in Hua Hin.
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Phuket Flower Fair to August 2: Photo Special
Photo Special Huge crowds flocked to the Phuket Flower Fair on opening night. Green folding cash may be in short supply but the currency of horticulturalists is holding its value.
Phuket Flower Fair to August 2: Photo Special
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Photo Special Phuket beaches grow more turbulent in Summer but at one of them, Surin, an American surfer is offering a commonsense recipe for survival and fun in the sea.
Phuket Surfer Riding High at Surin: Photo Special
Phuket Summer Beach Clean Campaign, August 6
Coming Event Thousands of people are behind the clean beach campaign, with one small local Phuket business already growing from the campaign and cooperation growing.
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Patong Surf Carnival and Cleanup: Photo Special
Photo Special Patong, scene of at least one drowning in June, hosted a mini surf lifesaving carnival on Saturday and will hold a larger event on Sunday. The beach was also cleaned.
Patong Surf Carnival and Cleanup: Photo Special
