The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : WTA Tour draws to a close

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Feb 19, 2007
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

WTA Tour draws to a close

Kalyan Ashok

CHEERING THEIR FAVOURITES: Expatriates at the final of the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour in Bangalore on Sunday. — Photo: K. Gopinathan

BANGALORE: Home favourite Sania Mirza was neither in the title round of the women's singles nor doubles, but still the crowd came in droves to watch the finals of Sony Ericsson WTA international championship that came to an end at the KSLTA Stadium here on Sunday. It certainly speaks for the growing maturity of Bangalore tennis fans who love their tennis and appreciate a good performer more than mere personality.

Russian teenager Yaraslova Shvedova, the giant killer of the tournament, who beat both Shikha Uberoi and Sania Mirza on her way to the finals, was indeed a big hit with the fans who cheered her every stroke against the defending champion Mara Santenglo of Italy. The crowd certainly loves an underdog and Shvedova did not let them down, and emerged as a worthy champion.

Shvedova's joy knew no bounds as she kept jumping on the court, celebrating her big win while the crowd gave her standing ovation. Truly a dream come true for the 19-year-old Muscovite in Bangalore.

The Chinese Taipei pair of Yung Jan Chan and Chia Jung Chuang, who won the doubles crown, also received special applause from the crowd.

Sudhin Mathur, head of Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications, presented them the winners' cheque and Sony Ericsson's latest mobile phones which were used by James Bond in the film Casino Royale. There were prizes for some lucky spectators too. The lucky two were Satya and Vishal who correctly judged the number of tennis balls in a bowl at the Merceds Benz stall at the Market Place.

The Market Place concept of KSLTA proved a major draw with the spectators who wanted a bit of diversion from serious tennis. It had stalls of various companies and a food court.

Radio Indigo, which was the radio partner for the event, also aired live request shows from the KSLTA on all the days. Its manager Jeffrey Thomas took in requests from players and as well as spectators. Guess, which was the hot favourite of most players? " Hips don't lie" by Shakira!

As the curtain came down on the Sony Ericsson WTA event, the players expressed their desire to play again in Bangalore.

As Alla Kudryavtseva of Russia, who was a doubles finalist put it "it as a great experience and we had lovely crowd and I enjoyed every bit here and I would love to come back''

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