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Thailand`s first ATP event a dream come true for Srichapan
Bangkok, July 18: Thailand is preparing to spend at least 150 million baht (3.5 million dollars) ahead of its first ATP event in September as it strives to turn it into Asia`s top tennis tournament, an official said yesterday.
Bangkok, July 18: Thailand is preparing to spend at least 150 million baht (3.5 million dollars) ahead of its first ATP event in September as it strives to turn it into
Asia's top tennis tournament, an official said yesterday.
Thailand is to host the tournament for the next five years, with this year's slated for September 22-28 at the impact arena stadium in North Bangkok.
"It will be the second biggest tennis tournament in Asia, following the Japan Open," Suwat Liptapanlop, chairman of the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand, told a news conference.
"But I hope that during our five-year contract, the Thailand Open will become the biggest in Asia," he said, adding that about 76 million people were expected to watch the live broadcast from Thailand.
Thai tennis sensation Paradorn Srichaphan said he was thrilled that his dream of playing an ATP tournament in his homeland is to come true.
"I had a dream that Thailand should host the ATP tournament and I am proud that the country is hosting the world-class event," the world-ranked number 11 said.
Top players who will compete for this year's 550,000-dollar prize money include US star Andy Roddick, current French Open champion Juan Carlos Ferrero, Spain's Carlos Moya and Czech number one Jiri Novak.
Paradorn, said he would have to prepare well for event. "I play well on hard court... Which I have always felt highly confident about doing my best on," he said. "However they will be tough matches because the players are high-ranking and play strong games."
Bureau Report
Thailand is to host the tournament for the next five years, with this year's slated for September 22-28 at the impact arena stadium in North Bangkok.
"It will be the second biggest tennis tournament in Asia, following the Japan Open," Suwat Liptapanlop, chairman of the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand, told a news conference.
"But I hope that during our five-year contract, the Thailand Open will become the biggest in Asia," he said, adding that about 76 million people were expected to watch the live broadcast from Thailand.
Thai tennis sensation Paradorn Srichaphan said he was thrilled that his dream of playing an ATP tournament in his homeland is to come true.
"I had a dream that Thailand should host the ATP tournament and I am proud that the country is hosting the world-class event," the world-ranked number 11 said.
Top players who will compete for this year's 550,000-dollar prize money include US star Andy Roddick, current French Open champion Juan Carlos Ferrero, Spain's Carlos Moya and Czech number one Jiri Novak.
Paradorn, said he would have to prepare well for event. "I play well on hard court... Which I have always felt highly confident about doing my best on," he said. "However they will be tough matches because the players are high-ranking and play strong games."
Bureau Report