HAVANA, March 22 (Xinhua) -- Around 50 players from eight countries will take part in the Seventh International Giraldilla Badminton tournament which runs from Thursday to Sunday in Havana's Kid Chocolate room.

    The contest will use the 21-point scoring system and offer 180 world ranking points to the winners of each event: men's and women's singles and doubles, and mixed doubles.

    Marina Perez, head of the Cuban coaching squad, said that her disciples plan to win the gold this year, after finishing fifth last time round, winning only one silver medal and five bronze medals.

    The competition will also serve as a warm-up ahead of the 20th Central American and Caribbean Games.

    This week's badminton tournament has attracted players from the Domincan Republic, Spain, Peru, Mexico, Guatemala, Canada and Italy, as well as the host nation Cuba. Enditem