The Hindu : Sport / Tennis : WTA Open logo unveiled

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, May 18, 2005

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Sport - Tennis

WTA Open logo unveiled

Special Correspondent

BANGALORE: Mahesh Bhupathi's sports and event management firm, Globosport along with the main sponsor ITC Foods, on Tuesday unveiled the logo of the Sunfeast WTA Open 2005 women's tennis championship at an impressive function at the Hotel Windsor Sheraton here.

Bhupathi promised a high voltage tournament, scheduled at Kolkata from September 19 to 25. "The event will be one of the biggest and we appreciate ITC's gesture in sponsoring it," said Bhupathi. He said the draw of 32 for singles would feature some of the top names on the WTA Tour.

It would be premature to speculate on the list of participants, which would be released six weeks before the championship, he said, adding, "we can assure you that at least a few in the top 20 will be in action, along with our best bet, Sania Mirza."

The $170,000 championship is likely to have a qualifying cut off not less than 125 and the main draw is likely to see players in the top 75. "Sania's chances are good given her recent record and great show at Hyderabad," said Bhupathi.

TEN Sports had been given the broadcasting rights for the championship, Bhupathi said. Peter Hutton, Vice-President, Broadcasting, TEN Sports, and Ravi Navare, Divisional Chief Executive of ITC Foods, also spoke.

On his own plans, Bhupathi said he would participate in the French Open and Wimbledon and partner Todd Woodbridge in the men's doubles and Lisa Raymond in the mixed doubles. On India's chances against Sweden in the Davis Cup, Bhupathi said, "it will be a tough affair, but playing at home, especially on grass should be to our advantage."

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