"Good Luck Beijing" 2007 International Badminton Invitational Tournament opened in Beijing on Wednesday at Beijing University of Technology (BUT) Gymnasium. The tournament, being held from October 10 to 14, is among a series of test events for the Beijing 2008 Olympics.

 

A total of 119 athletes from Malaysia, Germany, Austria, Vietnam and China, including the world No. 1 Lin Dan and Zhang Ning, both of China, will compete in men's singles, women's singles, men's doubles, women's doubles and mixed doubles.

 

With a seating capacity of 7,500, the BUT Gymnasium is the only Olympic venue located in southeast Beijing. It will serve as the badminton and rhythmic gymnastics venue for the Beijing Olympics next year.

 

(Xinhua News Agency October 10, 2007)