Mumbai, November 13:
The world’s leading women tennis players, including former world no. 2, Vera Zvonareva of Russia, will be seen in action during the US$ 125,000 WTA L&T Mumbai Open to be held at the hallowed Cricket Club of India's tennis courts here from November 18-26. The WTA tournament is being organised by the Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association in association with the Maharashtra government.
This was announced by Ms Amruta Fadnavis, Chairperson of the organizing committee in the presence of Mr. Pravin Singh Pardeshi, IAS, Patron, Mr. Nitin Kareer,Chairman of the organizing committee, Ms PallaviDarade, IRS, Organising Secretary, Tournament Director Mr. Prashant Sutar and MSLTA Secretary Mr. Sunder Iyer.
Also present were Mr. S V Desai, Executive Vice President & Head – Heavy Civil Infrastructure Independent Company, representing title sponsors L&T, besides Mr. Bharat Oza, President MSLTA, Mr. Kekoo Nicholson, President CCI, Jayesh Shah, CMD Shree Naman Group and representatives of the other sponsors to the event.
Speaking to reporters, Amruta Fadnavis said: “WTA has come to India after five years and after 10 years to Maharshtra. Mumbai being one of the most popular destinations in the world, we are happy to welcome the top tennis players. The 19-year-old Aryna Sabalenka comes to mind but we’re happy to welcome them all. Maharashtra is always at the forefront of sports academies. Our players will get a chance to improve their ranking and witness professional tennis at close quarters. I thank the organisers for the beautiful atmosphere and infrastructure. Tennis is the best physical music. Let us enjoy the sound of music and empower women to the fullest.”
The 33-year-old Zvonareva, who was runner-up in the singles event at both Wimbledon and US Open in 2010, along with 19-year-old Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus, the world no. 78 and former world no 12 Yanina Wickmayer of Belgium who is currently ranked 112th are the major contenders for the title.
Zvonareva, who was plagued by injuries in 2012 and was then due a shoulder injury was ruled out of the 2013 season is on the comeback trail after having a baby, this was announced by MSLTA, Hon. Secretary, Sunder Iyer.
Also in the fray would be world no. 105 Zhu Lin of China, no. 117 Arina Rodionova of Russia, no. 120 Naomi Brady of Britain, no.132 Anna Schmiedlova of Slovakia, no.136 Jasmine Paolini of Italy and Lizette Faith Cabrera of Australia who is ranked 137.
Tournament director Prashant Sutar inform
The organizing committee will be allotting four wild cards to Indian players in the main draw, who otherwise will not be able to make the grade. India No. 1 Ankita Raina, upcoming star Karman Kaur Thandi, State’s No. 1 player Rutuja Bhosale and Worl
The qualifiers would be held on November 18 and 19 while the main draw matches are to commence on November 20. Matches will commence at2:30 pm on the first three days and at 4:00 pm thereafter.
All the matches of the tournament will be streamed live on WTA Television and the WTA website, while live scoring will be available on the tournamentwebsite www.mumbaiopen.in
Photo Caption: Amruta Fadnavis (centre), Patron of the WTA $125K L&T Mmbai Open, is seen unveiling the event logo in the presence of Pravin Singh Pardeshi, IAS; Nitin Kareer, Chairman of the organizing Committee, Pallavi Darade, IRS, Organising Secretary; Tournament Director, Prashant Sutar and S V Desai, Executive Vice President & Head -- Heavy Civil Infrastructure Independent Company, representing L&T, Bharat Oza - President MSLTA, and Mr. Kekoo Nicholson, President CCI.
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