The sport was brought to England by its colonial forces in India, and it was here that the sport was given the name it carries today. Australia was not a foundation member but joined the federation in its infancy. While the English may have been the first to formalise the game, it has enjoyed little domination - China and Indonesia between them have won 70 per cent of all IBF titles. Of the Europeans, England, Denmark and Sweden have been the major forces. The Format All badminton events in Sydney will be contested as single eliminations, with 64 men and 64 women in the complete singles draw.
Players can play in both singles and doubles events.
In all events the top eight players or pairs are seeded. Qualification is via the world rankings as at May 1, 2000. As host nation, Australia is granted two entries in each event. Each nation is allowed no more than three players or pairs in each event, but to field three players they must all be ranked in the top 16 in the world. And it may well be another Dane who upstages the Asian competitors in the men s singles in Sydney.