KUALA LUMPUR: Chinese badminton legend Lin Dan is making waves in a new role - as a flamboyant tournament organiser.
Following the success of this year's Lin Dan Cup series, the two-time Olympic champion is set to launch an ambitious new venture: the King Cup in Shenzhen, China. The tournament will see the world's top 20 men's singles players competing for millions in prize money.
In a recently released teaser video, Lin Dan announced that the King Cup champion will receive 1.1 million yuan (RM680,000) — exceeding the prize money of World Tour tournaments. Currently, the World Tour Finals offer the sport's highest purse at US$200,000 (RM894,000).
"The prize money surpasses all BWF tournaments," Lin Dan said.
"As I transition from athlete to organiser, I hope to help professional players earn higher incomes based on their abilities."
Lin Dan said all participants will receive comprehensive travel packages, including business class flights to Shenzhen.
While the tournament dates remain unannounced, more details are expected at a press conference on Nov 29.
Lin Dan is keen to have former Japanese world No. 1 Kento Momota join the competition. "I'm looking forward to inviting Momota next year. This is the King Cup, and in my heart, he is a king!"
Lin Dan's initiative has already proved beneficial for some players, including Malaysian professional Cheam June Wei who claimed two victories in the Lin Dan Cup series. June Wei won both the Macau and Shenzhen legs (September and June respectively), earning a total of 500,000 yuan (RM309,000).