Chennai: Five top 50 players, headed by two-time French Open champion and World No. 2 Rafael Nadal, will be part of the playing field for the Chennai Open ATP tournament, which will be held at the SDAT Nungambakkam Stadium here, from January 1 to 7.

With World No. 8 David Nalbandian having already confirmed his participation, the event will have two top 10 players for the first time.

The others in the top 50 for the $ 416,000 event will be Xavier Malisse (No. 37), Julian Benneteau (No. 40) and Carlos Moya (No. 43). Former champion and World No. 53 Paradorn Srichaphan will also make his customary visit to the city.

Best line-up

"This is arguably the best line-up we've had in the history of the tournament," said Ravi Krishnan, Advisor-IMG India, at a press conference held to announce the field.

On the participation of Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi, he said that Mahesh would definitely play, but Leander's participation was still in doubt, with the tournament dates clashing with the Hopman Cup in Perth.

Entering its 12th year, the tournament won the ATP Players Service Award in 2006. "The Chennai Open is now better known and more widely respected by the players and administrators around the world," said V. Narayanan, president, TNTA.

On the possibility of seeing Roger Federer (who is managed by IMG) at the Nungambakkam Stadium in the future, Krishnan said, "I don't see why it cannot happen. It is definitely a possibility."

Three wildcards

Three wildcards will be awarded, most likely to Indian players, with four spots up for grabs for the qualifiers in the main draw. The qualifying rounds will take place on December 30 and 31.

Platinum sponsors Government of Tamil Nadu, Indian Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Indian Oil Corporation, United India Insurance and BSNL lead the consortium of sponsors for the event.

Player field:

Rafael Nadal (Spain), David Nalbandian (Argentina), Xavier Malisse (Belgium), Julien Benneteau (France), Carlos Moya (Spain), Fabrice Santoro (France), Paradorn Srichaphan (Thailand), Nicolas Mahut (France), Bjorn Phau (Germany), Stefan Koubek (Austria), Simon Greul (Ger), Kristian Pless (Denmark), Robert Kendrick (USA), Yen-Hsun Lu (Taipei), Igor Andreev (Russia), Rainer Schuettler (Ger), Ivo Karlovic (Croatia), Oliver Patience (France), Kevin Kim (USA), Danai Udomchoke (Thailand), Thiago Alves (Brazil), David Sanguinetti (Italy), Alejandro Falla (Columbia), Teimuraz Gabashvili (Russia) and Oliver Marach (Austria).

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