The CLTO Badminton Association organize the French International from 5 to 8 April 2012 at the Palais des Sports of Orleans. The event joined the Badminton World Federation (BWF) calendar for the first time and being part of the Badminton Europe circuit in its first year. This allows the 5.000 Dollars tournament to be a "qualifier" for the London Olympics. Therefore many nations will be present to grab the valuable points they still miss.

This tournament is only the second international badminton event on French territory after the French Open Super Series in Paris that occur each year in October.

To discover the city of Orleans, Loiret, Centre region, even France maybe, will probably a first time for most of these young and talented players who came to Orleans. So the organizer hope to welcome them in the best frame and under the best circumstances, the volunteer team is already excited about working with the best players of the European "badminton world". The partners of the event will also be present, in the stands to encourage the best performances.

180 players from 30 different nations will be present at Orleans to win the famous sesame, some points that are missing from their world ranking to qualify for the Olympics in London this summer. The first two delegations arrived on Monday in Orleans, the team from Malaysia and Sri Lanka, trained twice today. Meanwhile, the four players competing from CLTO Badminton Association, will try to obtain their qualification for the main round.

For all draws and results click HERE.

Article by Fanny Parmentier and photo by Jerome Collet