SIBU: The Sibu Grand Prix Badminton Championship — aimed at spotting new talents in the Division — has been renamed Gree Grand Prix Championship.

KTS Trading Sdn Bhd, the sole distributor of Gree air-conditioners in Malaysia, has contributed RM20,000 to the Sibu Badminton Association (BA) for hosting more badminton tournaments in future.

“We have decided to rename Sibu Grand Prix as Gree Grand Prix to show our appreciation to KTS Trading for its generous support and we believe the tournament will remain popular among local badminton enthusiasts,” Sibu BA president Datuk Robert Lau Hoi Chew said after witnessing the handing over of the KTS contribution at his office recently.

KTS deputy managing director Vincent Lau Lee Ming represented the company while Sibu BA secretary Thomas Tieng Mee Tung represented the association.

Second Finance Minister and Minister for Urban Development and Tourism Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh was also present.

The grand prix championship, from June 6 to 8 at SMK Sacred Heart Centenary Hall, will be held for the second time this year, featuring nine events – men’s and women’s singles and doubles, mixed doubles, boy’s and girl’s Under-15 singles and doubles.

“We hope to incorporate two more events for next year — men’s veteran and boy’s and girl’s U-12 — but it will depend on the response,” Lau said.

Admitting that from past experiences, response had not been encouraging, he said: “That’s why we encourage more badminton enthusiasts to show more interest for us to proceed with the two new events.”

Lau, also Deputy Minister of Housing and Local Government, said Sibu BA was keen to revitalise both the veteran and U-12 categories “to make the competition more complete.”

Meanwhile, entries are invited for Gree Grand Prix II — open to local and foreign players.

The entry fees are RM10 for singles, RM20 for doubles, RM5 for U-15 doubles and RM10 for U-15 doubles. The closing date is May 26 and entries must be received by 12 noon at Lau and Ling Office, No. 1, Jalan Central, Sibu.

Tieng reminded that late entries or entries without the entry fees would not be accepted.

He also told fans that they might win prizes if they turn up to watch the finale in November.

“TN Sports has sponsored RM9,999 for lucky draw prizes. To qualify, there must be a purchase of at least RM25 worth of products from TN Sports,” he said.