Brunei will host badminton’s top annual event, the World Grand Prix Finals until 2001.

After the tremendous success of the 1998 World Grand Prix Finals, IBF has selected Brunei as host for the event for the next three years, and will work closely with the Brunei National Badminton Association, the QAF Group and international sports promoters IMG to ensure that the event remains badminton’s premier Grand Prix tournament. IBF Vice President, Datuk Punch Gunalan (pictured below), said: “The BNBA has exhibited its ability to run a major IBF event successfully and we are therefore proud to select them. Brunei will now be able to build an identity with our top Grand Prix event over the next three years.” Only the world’s top-ranked players will qualify for the tournament, ensuring an exceptional standard of play throughout. The top 16 men’s and top 12 ladies’ singles players, along with the top 8 men’s, ladies and mixed doubles pairs will be the only ones competing. Therefore, with even the first round matches equivalent to Grand Prix tournament finals, badminton fans from across the world will be able to see the very best players in action, and as this year’s event falls in the Olympic qualifying period, there’s everything to play for. The 1999 World Grand Prix Finals run from 1 – 5 December at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Bandar Seri Begawan.