Keisha Hill, Staff Reporter

More than 217 people are expected to participate in this year's 10th staging of the Chinese Benevolent Association's (CBA) annual badminton tournament. The tournament, which started out as a doubles only event, has, over the years, grown to be one of the largest and most anticipated competitions of the badminton calendar year.

The tournament is scheduled to take place on Friday starting at 9.00 a.m. at the CBA Centre at 176 Old Hope Road, St Andrew. This year 171 people have entered the division D category while 64 entrants will participate in the men's singles. The ladies singles have attracted 40 entrants.

The men and women's categories in division D and possibly the men's singles in division B will be played on Friday. The finals of the two divisions will be played on Sunday.

The other two main divisions that will be contested include the open and division C along with the over-50. These sections will commence on Thursday, May 29 and end on Sunday, June 1.

According to tournament director Robert Lee, the usual high standard of play is anticipated.

"We expect the players to do well, especially those from the inner city. They dominated last year and we expect no less of them this year," Lee said.

The tournament has been made possible through main sponsors Tastee Limited, National Baking Company Limited, Western Sports Limited, Daytona Sales Limited, Atlantic Hardware & Plumbing, Premier Optical Limited and Park n' Shop Foods Ltd.