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2004 Tata Open turns into star-studded affair
Chennai, Nov 28: Former world no. 1 Carlos Moya of Spain would lead the star cast at the 2004 Tata Open Tennis Tournament beginning here in the first week of January.
Chennai, Nov 28: Former world no. 1 Carlos Moya of Spain would lead the star cast at the 2004 Tata Open Tennis Tournament beginning here in the first week of January.
Besides Moya, currently ranked seventh in the ATP list, the other attractions in the entry list of the tournament, which will run from January 5-11, include defending champion and world No. 11 Paradorn Srichaphan of Thailand, No. 18 Sjeng Schalken of the Netherlands, No. 21 Tommy Robredo and No. 22 Felix Mantilla, both of Spain.
Announcing the list of 25 players for South Asia's only ATP series event, organisers said here that Moya, returning here after 1999, seems to have inspired his compatriots as nine more players from the Spanish armada would be vying for honours in the $400,000 event, being held for the eighth straight year at the Nungambakkam Tennis Stadium.
"With the cut-off set at 106 against 113 last year, the field is very deep in tennis talent and the field holds promise for some scintilating action on the courts," said Ravi Krishnan, managing director IMG-TWI South Asia and senior international vice-president, IMG, the event managers.
One of the world's top doubles players, Mahesh Bhupathi will compete in doubles and said he was keen to partner Leander Paes in the tournament.
India No. 1 Prakash Amritraj has been given a wild card to the singles main draw and will also feature in doubles along with his cousin Stephen Amritraj.
Paes, who is recovering from a brain lesion, has also been offered one of the four wild cards for the singles, but he was yet to accept it, Krishnan said.
Bureau Report
Besides Moya, currently ranked seventh in the ATP list, the other attractions in the entry list of the tournament, which will run from January 5-11, include defending champion and world No. 11 Paradorn Srichaphan of Thailand, No. 18 Sjeng Schalken of the Netherlands, No. 21 Tommy Robredo and No. 22 Felix Mantilla, both of Spain.
Announcing the list of 25 players for South Asia's only ATP series event, organisers said here that Moya, returning here after 1999, seems to have inspired his compatriots as nine more players from the Spanish armada would be vying for honours in the $400,000 event, being held for the eighth straight year at the Nungambakkam Tennis Stadium.
"With the cut-off set at 106 against 113 last year, the field is very deep in tennis talent and the field holds promise for some scintilating action on the courts," said Ravi Krishnan, managing director IMG-TWI South Asia and senior international vice-president, IMG, the event managers.
One of the world's top doubles players, Mahesh Bhupathi will compete in doubles and said he was keen to partner Leander Paes in the tournament.
India No. 1 Prakash Amritraj has been given a wild card to the singles main draw and will also feature in doubles along with his cousin Stephen Amritraj.
Paes, who is recovering from a brain lesion, has also been offered one of the four wild cards for the singles, but he was yet to accept it, Krishnan said.
Bureau Report