Europe’s circuit players today received the welcomed news that prize money for International Challenge and International Series events are to increase on an incremental basis commencing 2016.
At a recent meeting in New Delhi, running alongside the Thomas & Uber Cups, the BWF council unanimously voted to increase the prize money for tournaments under Grand Prix while also introducing a new bonus incentive scheme for elite players in the top 10 Destination Dubai standings.
Starting in 2016 the total prize pot for an International challenge will rise to $17500 USD climbing incrementally to $25,000 by 2018. The current prize pot for International Challenge events is $15000 USD. Likewise the prize fund for International Series events will rise from $5000 USD in 2014 to $6000 USD in 2016 capping out at $10,000 USD by 2018.
Introduction of new bonus system
At the same meeting the BWF council voted to introduce the new bonus incentive scheme for the world’s elite players whereby the top 10 individuals and pairs will share a $400,000 USD jackpot once they have fulfilled varied media and commercial commitments for the MetLife BWF World Superseries. Top ranked singles players stand to pocket $12,000 USD while players ranked 8 to 10 will walk away with an extra $3000 USD in their pockets. Likewise doubles players will share between $16,000 USD for the top ranked pairs down to $4000 USD for pairs raked 8 to 10.
Speaking of the development BWF president Poul-Erik Høyer
(pictured above) explained “Players are the main attraction in our sport and we want to reward them for contributing to the success of the World Superseries; not only through playing and winning matches but also through engaging with the media, fans and sponsors – all of which are critical elements of promoting professional sports,” (Quote courtesy of BWF media)
BWF revert to the qualification system for Thomas & Uber Cups
In addition the BWF decided to revert to the qualification system for the 2016 Thomas and Uber Cups rather that the current system utilising world rankings. The decision was taken on the back of the continental confederations argument that the qualification system in continental championships had proven to act as vital preparation for teams competing in Thomas & Uber Cups.
Article by Mark Phelan for Badminton Europe. Photo by BadmintonPhoto.