Chinese badminton legend Lin Dan is making waves in a new role—as a flamboyant tournament organizer.
Following the success of this year’s Lin Dan Cup series, the two-time Olympic champion is set to launch an ambitious new venture: the King Cup in Shenzhen, China. This tournament will feature the world’s top 20 men’s singles players competing for millions in prize money.
In a recently released teaser video, Lin Dan announced that the King Cup champion would receive 1.1 million yuan, approximately 152,000 USD and 680,000 MYR, exceeding the prize money of World Tour tournaments. Currently, the World Tour Finals offer the sport’s highest purse at 200,000 USD (894,000 MYR).
“The prize money surpasses all BWF tournaments,” Lin Dan stated.
“As I transition from athlete to organizer, I hope to help professional players earn higher incomes based on their abilities.”
Lin Dan also revealed that all participants would receive comprehensive travel packages, including business-class flights to Shenzhen.
While the tournament dates remain unannounced, more details are expected to be disclosed at a press conference on November 29.
Lin Dan expressed his desire to have former Japanese world No. 1 Kento Momota join the competition. “I’m looking forward to inviting Momota next year. This is the King Cup, and in my heart, he is a king!”
Lin Dan’s initiative has already proved beneficial for some players, including Malaysian professional Cheam June Wei. Cheam claimed two victories in the Lin Dan Cup series, winning the Macau and Shenzhen legs in September and June, respectively. He earned a total of 500,000 yuan, equivalent to 69,000 USD and 309,000 MYR.
Photo: Free Malaysia Today