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SBD Global/September 28, 2012/Events and AttractionsPrint All
The possible impact of "unexpected torrential rains" is preoccupying 2014 FIFA World Cup organizers, according to Rodrigo Mattos of UOL.com.br. With the majority of World Cup host stadiums more than halfway finished, the Local Organizing Committee has turned its focus to the "important matters in the final stages of construction, like the field." The committee and FIFA have "recommended the implementation" of tropical grass and a powerful drainage system, which has the capacity to drain water four times faster than the normal system. But not all the stadiums are following the recommendation due to the price. A conventional drainage system costs R$1.5M ($739,000), while the powerful system recommended by FIFA and LOC "can cost up to four times that value." For this reason, the Maracanã is "probably not going to use this drainage system." The Rio de Janiero stadium and other host arenas "argue that normally it is dry season" during the period of the Confederations Cup and the World Cup. Therefore, "a conventional drainage system is sufficient." The question of the fields "has been a hot topic for LOC since the start of the year." But it has gained special attention now that "the grass is getting ready to be planted in the stadiums that will host Confederations Cup matches" (UOL.com.br, 9/27).
South Korean golfer Choi Kyung-ju will host his own tournament at home for a second time next month, "bringing together stars from domestic and foreign tours." The CJ Invitational, hosted by K.J. Choi, is his "more famous moniker on the PGA Tour," and will be held Oct. 4-7. The Korean Golf Tour and the Asian Tour will co-sanction the $750,000 tournament (KOREA HERALD, 9/27). ... Only 2,000 extra places will be available for next year's Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, "despite the huge demand to take part in the annual sporting extravaganza." Organizers have planned to use the same route as last year and insist the limit of 72,000 runners is the maximum unless roads are closed for longer. Total prize money has been increased by 13% to $258,400 "in a bid to attract more top-quality runners" (SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST, 9/27). ... The Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia at the Royal Lake Club will become "the first club to organize" a professional tournament when it hosts the inaugural Royal Lake Club Open Professional Squash Association Challenger 10 tournament from Oct. 2-7 (THE STAR, 9/26). ... McLaren Automotive will use its first ever int'l motor show appearance to preview its next generation ultimate supercar, the McLaren P1, which takes much of its technological and spiritual inspiration from the company's racing division. At the Paris Motor Show, Mondial de l'Automobile 2012, the McLaren P1 is previewed as a design study. Next year a production version, which the company aims to put on sale within 12 months, will be revealed (McLaren).