Havana, Cuba - Alexis Ramirez, Cuban National Badminton commissioner, said in this city that the 16th edition of Giraldilla de la Habana International Tournament will have a high competitive level and will be beneficial for Cuban players.

Contestants from 12 countries have already confirmed their attendance to that tournament, to be held at the Sports City Coliseum from March 25 to 29.

Ramírez highlighted the presence of players from the Czech Republic, Turkey, United States, Canada and Guatemala, who have shown their quality in previous events of the sport.

The list of participants is completed with representatives of Italy, Peru, Norway, Argentina, Venezuela, Hungary, Congo, and the hosts.

In men’s event, the most serious contenders will be the Czech Jan Frohlich, defending champion who appears 89th in the world rankings, as well as his compatriot Milan Ludik (78); and the American Howard Shu (56).

Meanwhile, the best ranked women attending this contest are the Czech Zuzana Pavelkova (94); along with Peruvians Daniela Macias (86) and Danica Nishimura (98).

According to the executive , this competition will be very important for Cuban players in view of the Pan American Games in Toronto, from July 10 to 26, event to which six exponents of the Island are already qualified, three in both sexes.

Regarding Osleni Guerrero, who appears 43rd of the world list and will be the top seed in the men’s event, Ramirez said he already returned from Indonesia and will seek to have a good performance to the delight of the Cuban fans.

In the case of Guerrero, he will debut against Guatemalan Rubén Castellanos.