UPWARD TREND IN TICKET SALES DUE TO LIN DAN'S PRESENCE

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 19 (Bernama) -- An upward trend in ticket sales for the
Malaysian Open Super Series this year is due to the presence of Chinese ace Lin
Dan said the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM).

BAM general manager Kenny Goh said 70 percent of the 11,000 tickets put up for
sale during a promotion period since November has been snapped up.

"Maybe feel that the return of Lin Dan to the Malaysian Open could result in
mouth-watering clash against Datuk Lee Chong Wei in the final. That factor could
have boosted ticket sales," he told reporters at the Putra Stadium in Bukit
Jalil here Tuesday.

Goh said BAM were happy with ticket sales this year compared to previous years
or even last year.

"Premium class tickets have seen brisk sales since 60 percent of the tickets
allocated have been sold. Even attendance for the qualifying rounds Tuesday have
been very encouraging and the best in recent years," he said.

He added that badminton fans can buy their tickets at the Putra Stadium in Bukit
Jalil from 8am to 5pm.

Tickets are priced at RM25 to RM45 for Premium seats, RM15-RM35 (low level) and
RM10-RM20 (upper terrace). (US$1=RM3.06)

Meanwhile, national back up player Chong Wei Feng failed to take advantage of
home turf after losing to Indonesia's Tommy Sugiarto 21-16, 24-22 in a
qualifying match.
-- BERNAMA