More than 1,000 players all over the country led by national players Joper Escueta and Kevin Cudiamat are expected to compete in the prestigious 2012 Prima Pasta Invitational Badminton Open set Feb. 25-26 and March 3-4 at the Powersmash in Pasong Tamo, Makati.

Event chairman Alex Lim confirmed the participation of Escueta and Cudiamat in the tournament supported by Prima Pasta, Boysen Paints, RFM, Mabz Builders, Pioneer Life, Prince, ILO Construction, Monolith Construction, Promax Intl. and Amstar.

“I’m expecting the competition to be tougher this year because of the rising badminton players,” said Lim, who also expects other big names like Malvinne Alcala and Paul Vivas to join the open events.

“This annual event is open to all badminton players,” he said.

Other events are men’s doubles open, mixed doubles open, junior singles 19U, 17U, 15U, 13U, 11U (boys and girls), junior doubles 19U, 17U and 15U (boys and girls) and women’s doubles (level O/A). Other players will play in their respective skill levels – A, B,C,D,E,F, and G.

The leveling dates are slated Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28, Feb. 4 and 11 (all Saturdays) at the Powersmash badminton court in Pasong Tamo, Makati.

For more information, call up Yoly Araullo (09228479983), Jerry Lee (09227899279), Joy Martinez (09209074223) or Cha Pagdilao (09205070449) and Bong Zamora 0922-5048757.

Deadline of submission will be on Feb. 11.