Thomas Isaac wasnย’t surprised we had our doubts about the levels of intensity at the Houston Badminton Open. ย“Probably one of the biggest disservices badminton has in this country is that when people mention [it], the first answer they say is, ย‘Yes, I played that in my high school, ย‘ย“ says Isaac. ย“People perceive it as a backyard sport when in reality it is a very fast indoor sport.ย” Isaac says shuttlecocks (insert juvenile laughter here) can reach speeds of up to 200 miles per hour, and heย’s torn his ACL and meniscus chasing them across the court.

Keep this in mind if youย’re thinking about entering todayย’s competition, which is open to all, because this ainย’t your high school gym teacherย’s badminton. Spectators are also welcome, and Isaac says the best games will likely be tomorrow during the finals, although today will feature more games, so take your pick. Either way, we suggest bringing a hat or mask ย— you know, something to protect you from lightning-fast shuttlecocks (tee hee hee). 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. today. Tournament continues 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. tomorrow. Fonde Community Center, 110 Sabine. For information and registration, visit www.houstonbadmintonclub.com. Registration starts at $30 per event; free for spectators.

Sat., Nov. 17, 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., Nov. 18, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., 2007

This article appears in Nov 15-21, 2007.