KUALA LUMPUR: World No 1 Kento Momota is one of the biggest names gunning for the Malaysia Masters title next month.
Apart from the Japanese ace, women's singles world No 1 Tai Tzu Ying from Taiwan and Indonesia's men's doubles sensation Marcus Gideon-Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo are also set to compete in the BWF World Tour Super 500 event.
In the men's singles, Denmark's Viktor Axelsen is ready to defend his title.
BAM president, Datuk Seri Norza Zakaria believes the star-studded tournament serves as the best platform for Malaysian shuttlers to showcase their worth on the international stage.
“Not only will these big names attract a huge crowd but the Malaysia Masters is the best platform for our young shuttlers to prove their worth,” he said.
“I believe with home support, our local shuttlers will be inspired to do their best.
“Previously, we only depended on our Olympians to bring us honours but this time around we've got our up and coming shuttlers like Lee Zii Jia (men's singles), Goh Jin Wei (women's singles), Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik (men's doubles), Vivian Hoo-Yap Cheng Wen and Chow Mei Kuan-Lee Meng Yean (women's doubles). I am confident they will put up a good fight.
“Next year will be the best time to gauge our players' true potential,” said Norza at a pre-tournament press conference today at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara.
Also present at the event was main sponsor, Daihatsu Motor Co Ltd, represented by overseas department general manager, Ichiro Otaku and Datuk Dr Zahari Husin, managing director for Perodua Sales.
The US$350,000 (RM1.4 million) Malaysia Masters will be held on Jan 15-20 at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil.