The Hindu : Sport : Field still uncertain for Hopman Cup

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Nov 22, 2006
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Field still uncertain for Hopman Cup

Principal Correspondent

PRACTICE TIME: With the participation of top stars still in limbo, Sania Mirza might be the lone marquee name at the event. — Photo: AFP

HYDERABAD: With the Asian Hopman Cup tennis championship at the Fateh Maidan tennis complex here scheduled to start on Thursday, uncertainty has gripped the organisers as they are not yet sure whether Thailand's big guns Paradorn Srichaphan and Tamarine Tanasagurn will be here for the event, which is costing State Government about Rs.1.50 crores.

On his part, Ashok Kumar, secretary of AP Lawn Tennis Association, told The Hindu that since the six teams which confirmed participation in the event have the option of naming the players at the last minute, no one can be sure of who is coming.

R. Janardhan Reddy, SAAP Deputy Director, is working round the lock to put the venue in shape by giving a facelift to the venue in all aspects. A fresh coat of paint on the seats, the sight screens and the court markings are being carried out at a feverish pace.

The Chinese Taipei pair of Ti Chen (World No. 304) and I-Hsuan Hwang (World No. 307) was the only team to arrive on Monday and had a three-hour training schedule.

"We look to this as a big warm-up event before the Doha Asian Games," said the 23-year-old Ti Chen. "It is a great a opportunity to play against the likes of Paes and Sania Mirza. They are great players and I am keen to face them in the event," he says.

On the chances of Chinese Taipei, he refused to entertain any guesses, as he was not aware of line-up. But he said that it would be great if they were able to pull off a major upset.

The two-time finalist in the Challenger series in Russia says he wants to build on his baseline game. He believes that his strength is trying hard and being mentally very strong.

Hwang says she just cannot comment on the prospects of her team other than hoping for the best. "We are pleased with the hospitality and the excellent playing facility here. Looking forward to a great week now," she remarked.

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