(By Barbara Wei)

Titans to Claim Title at 10th Anniversary Butterfly Badger Open

A total of $16,000 in prize money awaits the ~300 players who will come to compete at the 2017 Butterfly Badger Open next weekend in Franklin, WI (15 miles from downtown Milwaukee). With $5,000 reserved for the Open Singles champion, top players from around the US and Canada have already confirmed their spots in the event.

Jishan Liang (2016 Badger Open Champion), Eugene Wang (3x Badger Open champion & Olympian) and Jian Li (2017 Arnold Challenge Champion) lead the Open singles draw. Expected clashes between these 3 champions promise world class table tennis for both participants and spectators. Other well-known competitors confirmed for the event include national cadet team member Sid Naresh and brother Nandan, collegiate table tennis powerhouse players/alumni (Yichi Zhang – Mississippi University; Alex Legaria/Santiago Sevilla – Lindenwood University) and frequent tournament competitors Bowen Chen and Rajat Hubli.

As the 2017 event marks the 10th anniversary of the Butterfly Badger Open, special recognition will be given to volunteers, competitors and staff who have been a part of the event since the beginning. Those attending in person can expect a festive atmosphere and determined set of organizers looking to grow the event for years to come.

Live streaming and results will be available on the Butterfly North America website throughout the weekend for those who cannot join in person. Tune in to follow the action at the 2017 Butterfly Badger Open!

Continual coverage of the Badger Open and stories about the athletes will be available at www.ButterflyOnline.com, or via Bowmar Sports/Butterfly North America’s Twitter and Facebook pages.