AFTER the resounding success of last year's Malaysian Open, the ATP World Tour 250 tournament will return to Putra Stadium, Bukit Jalil on Sept 24-Oct 3.
The tournament, which is one of only five World Tour stops in Asia, carries a total prize money of US$947,750 (RM2.9 million) and features a 28-player singles main draw and 16 doubles.
Russia's World No 17 Mikhail Youzhny, the defending champion, and compatriot Nikolay Davydenko, who won the 2009 inaugural competition, are both expected to be in Kuala Lumpur.
This year's event will likely feature one top five ATP player and new faces who are making a name on the world stage.
"We are planning to bring one top five player but it is not easy as these players have a tight schedule," said tournament director Nick Freyer at the unveiling of Wilson as the tournament's official tennis equipment supplier in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday.
"Hopefully, we will get one of the top three names in tennis but when that will happen, I can't say. I will be at Wimbledon to meet these players."
Freyer, who is also IMG senior vice-president, said a fresh face who is already a top player, has agreed to compete in the Malaysian Open.
"I will make an official announcement soon. On other players, a lot will depend on the results of the Davis Cup. If everything goes well, we will get the best in this tournament," he said.
Two qualifying singles wild cards will be allocated to local players. A local player will join forces with an international ATP World Tour star in the doubles main draw, courtesy of a main draw wild card.
In last year's tournament, Nazim Khan, who is in Sri Lanka for the Davis Cup, paired with Davydenko in the doubles.
"I have noticed a big improvement in the standard of local players at last year's tournament. I really hope those selected will do better this time," said Freyer.
IMG also announced yesterday a ticketing strategy with features which include unreserved free seating at one ticket price.
Tickets for the Malaysia Open are available now at www.MalaysianOpenTennis.com or www.Ticketpro.com.my. - NST
