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Sports

Wednesday September 16, 2009

WTA’s top 20 players expected on our shores in February

By LIM TEIK HUAT

KUALA LUMPUR: The women’s tennis stars, including US Open champion Kim Clijsters, Maria Sharapova and Jelena Jankovic, may play in Malaysia when the country joins the Sony Ericsson WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) tour calendar in February.

The Lawn Tennis Association of Malaysia (LTAM) in collaboration with promoters Carbon Media Management and th Youth and Sports Ministry will host the Malaysian Tennis Classic 2010 at the Bukit Kiara Equestrian and Country Resort from Feb 22-28.

With Malaysia joining a select number of countries in Asia to host the Tour event, the tournament will be guaranteed of the presence of at least two players from the top 20. Besides a 32-player singles competition, the tournament will also have a doubles event featuring 16 pairs.

The LTAM president, Datuk Abdul Razak Latiff, said that Malaysia would be hosting a WTA-sanctioned event for the first time.

Balancing act: Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek (right) having a light moment after the launch of the Malaysian Tennis Classic 2010 at the Bukit Kiara Equestrian and Country Club.

“The WTA Tour features some of the most recognisable names in the world, among them the Williams sisters, Serena and Venus, Sharapova, Jankovic and (Ana) Ivanovic,” he said.

“We will ensure that the Malaysian Tennis Classic will be a permanent fixture on the WTA Tour. It is an honour for the LTAM to host the biggest women’s tennis event in Malaysia.”

Abdul Razak added that a Malaysian player would get a direct entry to the main draw.

“There will be a national qualifying competition and the winner will get this opportunity to play in a world-class tournament in front of the home crowd,” he said.

Carbon Media executive chairman Keld Kristiansen said that they would try to get the big names to play in Malaysia.

“The players only start planning their schedule after the US Open and it is a bit too early to get their confirmation,” he said.

“But we have been given a good slot in the calendar, which is immediately after the Barclays Dubai championship featuring all the world’s top 10 players. We hope the chance to play in Malaysia for the first time will make them consider making a stop-over here.”

Kristiansen also revealed that the tournament must have a minimum prize fund of US$220,000 to receive WTA sanctioning status.

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