The Russian Open 2018 kicks off inside Sport Hall Olympic in Vladivostock, Russia this week.
From 24 - 29 July 2018, players from around the world will compete in the BWF Super 100 event. The draw is dominated by home country players, taking many of the top seeded spots, as well as plenty of contention from India and Malaysia too.
Russia have taken the number one seed in the Men's and Mixed Doubles along with the Women's Singles as the experienced players look to impress in front of a home crowd. Vladimir Ivanov and Ivan Sozonov will be looking to live up to their first seed, above fellow compatriots Konstantin Abramov and Alexandr Zinchenko as second seeds. Meanwhile, Mixed Doubles pairing of Evgenij Dremin and Evgenia Dimova will also be looking to capitalize on their first seed status! All of the players will be using the big stage to prepare for next week's TOTAL BWF World Championships.
Additionally, Russian Women's Singles player Evgeniya Koserskaya is hoping to continue her impressive form this season, following a second-place finish in the 2018 European Championships, as she competes as first seed in front of a home crowd. Fellow compatriot Natalia Perminova and experience German player Yvonne Li have taken the third and fourth seed spots respectively. Similarly, both Russians will be looking to gain some confidence and on-court practice before the world championships begin next week.
Pablo Abian from Spain is looking to add to his impressive run so far in 2018, after winning the White Nights 2018, Tarragona 2018 Mediterranean Games and runner up in the FZ Forza Slovenia International 2018. The first seed kicks off his campaign in the Russian Open in the second round against India's Chirag Sen.
Chow Mei Kuan and Lee Meng Yean, the world number 15 women's doubles pairing from Malaysia take the top seed spot in Russia, ahead of the Russian pairing of Ekaterina Bolotova and Alina Davletova.
You can keep up to date with the latest draws and results
here.