BWF cancels tournaments in Hong Kong and Macau due to COVID-19

While the Macau Open was slated from November 1 to 6, the Hong Kong Open was scheduled to be held in Kowloon from November 8 to 13.

Kuala Lumpur:Two world tour badminton events -- Hong Kong Open Super 500 and Macau Open Super 300 -- have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 restrictions in the two countries, world governing body BWF said on Thursday. While the Macau Open was slated from November 1 to 6, the Hong Kong Open was scheduled to be held in Kowloon from November 8 to 13.

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However, the Badminton World Federation said it was informed by the governing body of the two countries that hosting an event will not be viable under the current situation. "In light of the ongoing COVID-19 situation and complexities of quarantine measures in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Badminton Association (HKBA) had been working closely with government authorities to seek special approval on easing some restrictions for event participants," the BWF said in a statement.

"However, with quarantine restrictions still required for all overseas visitors, HKBA concluded there was no other viable option than to cancel the tournament. "Similarly, after considering all travel and entry restrictions into Macau, and the ongoing health prevention measures in place, Badminton Federation of Macau informed BWF there was no possibility to conduct their tournament this year."

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After the ongoing Japan Open this week, the world tour will move to Europe in October for tournaments in Denmark, France, and Germany.

PTI