THE Kuala Lumpur International Open will offer the richest purse in National Tennis Circuit history when the five-day event gets underway on June 6.
The KL Lawn Tennis Association (KLLTA) announced yesterday that a total of RM40,000 will be paid out to the top finishers in men's and women's singles and doubles, and men's Masters and veterans.
The tournament has attracted players from neighbouring countries while Uzbekistan, China and Mongolia are also showing keen interest.
The event, which is the third leg of the tour, will be held at the National Tennis Centre (NTC) in Jalan Duta and also at KL City Hall Complex in Tasik Titiwangsa.
Among the confirmed local players are National No 1 Si Yew Ming, Ariez Elyaas Deen Heshaam, Ahmad Deedat, Ashaari Zainal Abidin and Choo Lyn Yee.
Yew Ming, who performed well at last month's Asia/Oceania Davis Cup Group III event, is the favourite to win a second straight tour title. The 33-year-old was beaten by Ariez Elyaas in the first leg.
KLLTA vice-president Mirzan Mahathir said more than 300 players are expected to sign up for the event.
"We have commissioned a new trophy for this year's edition to reflect its prestige. The men's singles champion will make history as the first name to be inscribed on the KLLTA Challenge Trophy," said Mirzan at NTC.
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30 May 2012 | Last updated at 12:33AM
TENNIS: History in the making
By AJITPAL SINGH | ajitpalsingh@nst.com.my 0 comments
RICHEST EVER: KL Open purse increased to RM40,000
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Petaling Jaya Mayor, Datuk Mohd Roslan Sakiman (centre) with sponsors after the MBPJ Junior Championships press conference yesterday. Pic by Supian Ahmad
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THE Kuala Lumpur International Open will offer the richest purse in National Tennis Circuit history when the five-day event gets underway on June 6.
The KL Lawn Tennis Association (KLLTA) announced yesterday that a total of RM40,000 will be paid out to the top finishers in men's and women's singles and doubles, and men's Masters and veterans.
The tournament has attracted players from neighbouring countries while Uzbekistan, China and Mongolia are also showing keen interest.
The event, which is the third leg of the tour, will be held at the National Tennis Centre (NTC) in Jalan Duta and also at KL City Hall Complex in Tasik Titiwangsa.
Among the confirmed local players are National No 1 Si Yew Ming, Ariez Elyaas Deen Heshaam, Ahmad Deedat, Ashaari Zainal Abidin and Choo Lyn Yee.
Yew Ming, who performed well at last month's Asia/Oceania Davis Cup Group III event, is the favourite to win a second straight tour title. The 33-year-old was beaten by Ariez Elyaas in the first leg.
KLLTA vice-president Mirzan Mahathir said more than 300 players are expected to sign up for the event.
"We have commissioned a new trophy for this year's edition to reflect its prestige. The men's singles champion will make history as the first name to be inscribed on the KLLTA Challenge Trophy," said Mirzan at NTC yesterday.
"Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand will send their players who are high on the International Tennis Federation (ITF) rankings. We have also invited several countries from East Asia.
"We are expecting an eventful tournament following the increase of prize money from RM28,000 to RM40,000."
KLLTA will also be organising a carnival, themed "Tennis Island", on June 9 to introduce the game to youngsters between the ages of six and 15.
"We hope to attract as many youngsters as possible to join in the fun. We have many exciting activities being planned as well as a mini concert featuring top local acts," Mirzan added.
Meanwhile, the MBPJ Junior Championships which start on Saturday, will see 180 players competing for honours in five categories (10-and-under, 12-and-under, 14-and-under, 16-and-under and 18-and-under).
Petaling Jaya Mayor Datuk Mohd Roslan Sakiman, who launched the event at the MBPJ headquarters yesterday, said the tournament will offer prize money to the winners for the first time.
"It is a new beginning for junior tennis in PJ but I am looking at increasing the prize money a little," said Roslan.
The winners of each category will receive RM100 while the runners-up get RM50. The tournament will be held at three venues - MBPJ and PKNS Sports Complexes; and PJ Astaka.- www.nst.com.my
