The Hindu : Sport : Serena for Bangalore Open

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Tuesday, Dec 19, 2006
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Serena for Bangalore Open

Special Correspondent

Sania Mirza. — Photo: K. Murali Kumar

BANGALORE: The second edition of the WTA Bangalore Open will feature the former World No.1 and seven-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams of the United States as its top draw along with Indian superstar, Sania Mirza. The Tier-III event, scheduled to be conducted from February 12 to 18 by the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association and supported by the Government of Karnataka with Sony Ericsson as the title sponsor, would carry a prize money of $175,000.

Announcing Serena's confirmation for the Bangalore event, Mr. C.S. Sunder Raju, the secretary of the KSLTA, said that the championship would have a highly competitive field. He thanked the Government of Karnataka and Sony Ericsson for their support.

Sania upbeat

The spotlight of the media meet, however, was on Sania Mirza and the Indian tennis diva made a grand entry in a stunning black top and jeans. Sania, looking very upbeat, said that she was delighted to be back in Bangalore. "I had a great tournament last year, winning the doubles and I look forward to the championship again here in February and aim to do much better in the singles, besides defending the doubles title that I had won here with Lizel Hueber of South Africa," Sania said.

Sania also said that she was not sure of her doubles partner yet. R. Ashoka, Health Minister of Karnataka, reiterated the State Government's commitment to the event. "We are happy to have this Tour event again in Bangalore and I assure KSLTA of all our support. This being the golden jubilee year of the State formation, I request the organiser to name the event as Suvarna Karnataka WTA championship," said the Minister.

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