INQUIRER Sports

MANILA, Philippines - Powerhouse China is sending a crack 29-player delegation, led by former world junior champion Chen Long in the Bingo Bonanza Philippine Open Grand Prix badminton championships on July 1 to 5 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

The Chinese are expected to dominate their counterparts from seven countries who have confirmed their participation in the tournament that stakes $120,000 in prize money.

Chen will be China's brightest hope in the singles event, where he will be joined by compatriots Zhou Wenlong, Du Pengyu, Gao Huan and Lu Qiching.

The world's greatest badminton nation will be spearheaded by Jiang Yanjiao, Wang Xin, Wang Shixian and Li Xuerui in the women's singles.

Albee Benitez, president of the tournament's main sponsor, Bingo Bonanza, said England, Vietnam, Germany, Canada, Wales and Malaysia are also fielding entries in the annual event.

Also expected to confirm their stint in the next few days are Hong Kong, Indonesia, Singapore, India, Chinese-Taipei, Japan, Russia and Macau, said Benitez.

"We have invited many more players outside Asia, so we're expecting a really exciting event," he added.

This marks the third time in four years that Bingo Bonanza is staging the premier championships. The company did not stage a tournament last year because of the Beijing Olympics.