DUBAI: World class badminton arrives in Dubai for the first time this week, with the season ending BWF Destination Dubai World Superseries Finals extravaganza taking place at the Hamdan Sports Complex Dec. 17 to 21.

Only the eight top-ranked players from the BWF Destination Dubai Rankings in men’s and women’s singles, men’s and women’s doubles and mixed doubles have earned a place at the prestigious tournament with a whopping total prize pot of $1million. To qualify for Dubai the players had to amass points from 12 MetLife BWF World Superseries Tournaments held around the world throughout the year.

Under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, crown prince of Dubai, the World Superseries Finals are to be staged in Dubai each December until 2017 as part of a four-year partnership, facilitated by Falcon and Associates, with the BWF.

Speaking at the pre-event press conference and draw Monday, Alastair Ruxton, Commercial and Legal director at Falcon and Associates, said: “Having the BWF Destination Dubai World Superseries Finals in Dubai this week is an exciting time for the sport of badminton, and for Dubai. This is the first time a badminton event of this caliber has been held in the region, and with Dubai being a leader of high-profile and world class sporting events, this event is a wonderful addition to our already impressive sporting calendar.

Thomas Lund, BWF secretary general said: “The significance of this occasion – to have the very best players in the world showcase their skills in Dubai – cannot be underestimated. It’s not every day that sports fans get to watch elite athletes play in their country and we hope Dubai resident will come out to cheer on these world class players as well as to see the incredible sports presentation which has been planned.

“The partnership with Dubai represents a key opportunity for us to gain exposure for the increasingly-popular MetLife World Superseries in a growing market and align ourselves with Dubai, whose global connectivity, accessibility and track record in hosting world-class sporting events will make badminton accessible to more fans around the world.”

Aysha Albusmait, director of Communication and Marketing at Dubai Sports Council said “Since its inception Dubai Sports Council has sought to attract major events to the city, not only to provide excellent entertainment for sports fans, but also to create a legacy through increasing participation and raising the standard of performance in sport throughout the community.

“We are pleased to announce that Shuttle Time Dubai has been, and we believe will continue to be, a tremendous success in creating awareness, increasing participation and promoting the sport of badminton in Dubai. So far it has connected with hundreds of new and existing players of all ages, and it will be a catalyst for the continued growth of the sport in Dubai.

Commenting on the draw Monday, world champion Chen Long of China said “This is the highlight of the Series, so I will try my best to win. This really is the peak of all the BWF events.” Chen will meet Korea’s Son Wan Ho, Japan’s Kenichi Tago and Demnark’s Hans-Kristian Vittinghus in men’s singles Group A.

Tago said “I would prefer to be in Group B! ( with Jan O Jorgensen (DEN), K Srikanth (IND), Kento Momota (JAP) and Tommy Sugiarto (INA)), but all I can do is try my best.”

Indian superstar Saina Nehwal also has a tough draw, meeting China’s Wang Shixian, Sung Ji Hyun and Bae Yeon Ju, both of Korea in women’s singles Group A.

The men’s, women’s and mixed doubles draws also threw together some tough pools, although with only the top eight in the BWF Destination Dubai Rankings qualifying, all games will test the players. England’s husband and wife team of Chris and Gabrielle Adcock believe they can perform well, and are excited to have made it to the Superseries Finals in Dubai. “It’s nice to be playing somewhere different. I know there’s a lot of excitement among the players to be here in Dubai.”

Dual doubles title holder from 2013, Christinna Pederson of Denmark is again in the running for both the women’s and mixed doubles titles. “It will be very tough to win here, but it is great to be in Dubai. The venue looks amazing, I have really been looking forward to coming here.”

Action in the BWF Destination Dubai World Superseries Finals starts Wednesday at 9 a.m. . Matches will be played throughout the day, concluding at 11pm. The order of play and all the details can be found at www.destinationdubai.ae.