Ms Pathama, who is also Vice President of the Badminton World Federation and President of the Badminton Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage, was joined by Prachan Pajanthabut, Vice President of the Phuket Provincial Sports Association and Vice President of the Phuket Badminton Club, at the ceremony at Saphan Hin Stadium.
In her closing remarks, Ms Pathama declared the week long event at the 4,000-seat gymnasium had been a great success which saw athletes from more than 25 countries around the world participating.
It also demonstrated Phuket’s successful capacity to host international events while promoting the province as a reputable tourist destination, she added. Furthermore, the event helped boost the local economy though additional tourism-related pursuits, such as organised visits to Promthep Cape, Central Festival shopping mall and selected night markets.
Ms Pathama explained that the tournament provided opportunity for all players involved to collect points and increase their BWF world ranking in order to improve their chances of qualifying for the world tour. It was also considered an ideal opportunity for Thai players to compete against world class athletes and improve their standards.
Two-time world championship bronze medalists and 2012 Asian champions Kim Ki-joong and Kim Sarang from South Korea were involved, as was compatriot Aom Hye-won, a former world championship silver medalist and a bronze medalist in mixed doubles.
Fellow competitors came from the USA, Canada, Indonesia, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia and India.
The leading Thai players involved included: Lalinrat “Jiew” Chaiyawan; Phichchamon “Pink” Ophasnipat; Tanongsak “Song” Saensomboonsuk; Thamolwan “Minnie” Nithi-itthikrai; Yatawimin “Ruangkao” Ketkliang; Pharanu “Phim” Khaosam-ang; Thanadol “Pun” Panpanich; Rachapol “Mix” Maksasithorn; and Natthamon “Wahwa” Laisuan.
Mr Prachan presented trophies to the winners during the closing ceremony as well as cash prizes amounting to more than B175,000.