Monaco thrilled over KL date

ARGENTINA'S World No 10 Juan Monaco is the latest to pen his commitment to the US$947,750 (RM3 million) ATP Malaysian Open but Serbia's Janko Tipsarevic will not be defending his title in the tournament on Sept 22-30 at Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
Monaco, one of the craftiest and most exciting players on tour, will be hoping to make a huge impression in his first appearance in Kuala Lumpur.
Spain's World No 5 David Ferrer, Japan's Asian No 1 Kei Nishikori and Ukraine's World No 17 Alexandr Dolgopolov are the other confirmed players.
Monaco moved up into the top 10 for the first time after winning his third title of the season in Hamburg.
"It's amazing, it's a dream come true to win my third title. It was a big goal. We had pre-season when we were practising very hard," said Monaco in a statement.
Dolgopolov, who made the semi-finals in Umag, Croatia recently, is excited to be returning to KL.
"I have fond memories of my last visit to KL. I felt very comfortable and welcomed in Malaysia and we are excited to return and play the highest quality tennis. I hope to be a champion in this event," said Dolgopolov.
Tipsarevic will not defend his title due to prior commitments. The Serb will instead play in the Thailand Open in Bangkok. -NST

Monaco for KL

The Malaysian Open, Kuala Lumpur 2012 is thrilled to announce tennis’ newest Top 10 player, and one of the craftiest and most exciting players on the ATP World Tour, have today confirmed their participation in the US$947,750 ATP 250 tournament, to be held September 22 to 30 at Putra Stadium, Bukit Jalil.

Top-ten debutant Juan Monaco of Argentina, one of the standout players of the 2012 ATP World Tour season, will be making his first visit to Kuala Lumpur, while the “welcome back” mat will be laid out for the fabulous play of the Ukraine’s World No.17 Alexandr Dolgopolov.

Monaco and Dolgopolov join the previously confirmed David Ferrer of Spain, the World No. 5, who won his fifth title of the year last week in Bastad, Sweden, and the popular Japanese player, and Asian No.1, Kei Nishikori, ranked No. 18.

Monaco is enjoying the best year of his career. Yesterday, the 28 year old from Tandil, a hotbed of tennis talent in Argentina, won his third title of the year at the ATP 500 tournament in Hamburg, and is now at a career high ranking of No.10, something he could very well improve on, come September.

His participation was confirmed just hours after his Hamburg victory, following an initial meeting with “Pico”, as he is affectionately known, by IMG’s Tournament Director Nick Freyer, during Wimbledon. This third title of the year places Monaco behind KL bound Ferrer and tennis greats Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal for the most titles won so far in 2012.

Monaco has now taken his win-loss record for 2012 to a very impressive 31-10. He has six career titles and has reached another nine finals, following his run to the final last Sunday at the ATP 250 event in Stuttgart.

“It's amazing, it's a dream come true,” Monaco said of his new position in the Top 10. “I will always remember this great week because it's very important for me and my team. It was a big goal we had pre-season when we were practising very hard.”

The victory over an in-form Tommy Haas in Hamburg adds to titles he won in Vina del Mar and then in Houston where he beat two giant servers, Kevin Anderson and in the final John Isner. He was a semi-finalist at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Miami where he had a stunning run, beating, in back-to-back matches, Gael Monfils, Andy Roddick and Mardy Fish.

He also made the last 16 at the French Open accounting for Milos Raonic is a five set thriller and has a career win over Ferrer. He now turns his attention, along with Ferrer and Nishikori to the London Olympics.

Dolgopolov is also coming off a solid recent week on the ATP World Tour having made the semi-finals in Umag, Croatia.

Dolgopolov is one of the most exciting players in men’s tennis. The 23-year old Ukrainian was ranked No.13 following the Australian Open earlier this year. He plays tennis with such a carefree attitude that fans are left gasping at some of the winners he produces. It is such a thrill to witness his style of play that fellow players who watch him in action are even left shaking their heads with his talent.

“I have fond memories of my last visit to Kuala Lumpur,” Dolgopolov said. “My coach Jack and I felt very comfortable and welcome in Malaysia and we are excited to return and play the highest quality tennis. I hope it will deliver another KL Champion from my part of Europe, and I would love it to be me.”

Rafael Nadal said of “Dolgo”, as he is known everywhere: “He's a crazy player, not like a crazy guy (but) because you can expect everything. He can play really aggressive; he can play very fast; he has a very good serve; and the ball is going too fast sometimes. He can beat you and you will not have something to do with it. He's a special player. I know he can hit a winner from every place in the court.”

Dolgopolov has one career title, Umag in 2011, and has reached two other finals, one of those being in Brisbane this year. In Brisbane he defeated Radek Stepanek and Gilles Simon before a leg injury prevented him from producing his best tennis against Andy Murray in the final.

He was a quarterfinalist at the ATP Masters 1000 in Madrid defeating Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. He also made it to the last 16 at the ATP Masters 1000 events in Indian Wells defeating former Malaysian Open, Kuala Lumpur finalist Marcos Baghdatis and in Monte Carlo where he turned the tables on Bernard Tomic. The two of them played a glorious five set match at this year’s Australian Open which remains one of the best matches of 2012. Additionally, he has career wins over Marin Cilic and Robin Soderling.

Tournament Director Nick Freyer said, “Alex has come so far since he first visited our tournament ranked 55 two years ago, and it is always a treat for us to welcome back a player with extreme talent such as his. The match he played against Bernard Tomic at the Australian Open in February was a contest between two true wizards of the game.”

The tournament also announced that fans visiting the Malaysian Open, Kuala Lumpur 2012 should make sure to keep their ticket stub. Every ticket stub will have a coupon printed on it that will entitle the holder to discounts (including a 35% discount on Wilson products from the tournament booth at the stadium) when purchasing a variety of the great sponsor products that will be on offer.

“Our fans mean a lot to us so we are delighted to be able to offer them something back. We want them to have a fun experience at the tournament and this promotion just ads to our “Catch the Autographed Ball” and “Win 500 ATP Shirts per day” activities that have already been announced,” added Freyer.

Tickets can be purchased by visiting the official website, www.MalaysianOpenTennis.com.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: : Local Media Director, Malaysia, Mr. Ghaz Ramli at 60-16 243 0848 or email : ghazoo21@gmail.com

Syed Agil and Theiviya win BMW titles

SYED Aqil Syed Naguib and S. Theiviya emerged champion  in the men’s and women’s singles of the BMW National  Circuit fourth leg in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
Syed Aqil won his first title of the season by overcoming  Pruchya Isarov 7-6 (7-3) in the first set before the Thai retired  due to injury.
“I am happy to have won a title on this tour. It will motivate  me to train harder for future tournaments,” said Syed Agil  yesterday.
In doubles, Abdul Hazli Zainuddin-Ahmad Deedat Razak,  brushed aside Khoo Er Yang-Pruchya Isarov 6-2 6-3 in the  final.
Theiviya recorded her maiden victory over a WTA Tour  ranked player by edging Uzbekistan’s World No 1,177 Polina  Merenkova 6-4, 6-4 in the women’s singles final.
She then partnered Ti Jia Wei in doubles, where they  defeated Jawairiah Noordin-Yus Syazlin Nabila Yusri 2-6, 6- 3, 11-9 for the title.
Theiviya, 17, will begin her professional career on the tour  soon.
“I am delighted to record a win over a player ranked on the  tour,” said Theiviya, the daughter of former national No 1 S.  Selvarajoo.

Syed Agil reaches BMW final

FORMER national champion Syed Agil Syed Naguib  reached the men’s singles final of the BMW National Circuit  fourth leg in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
Syed Agil, the fifth seed, upset top seed Ariez Elyaas Deen  Heshaam 6-3, 7-5 in the semi-finals.
He plays unseeded Thai Pruchya Isarov, who defeated  second seed Si Yew Ming 6-4, 6-2 yesterday, for the title  today.
In women’s singles semi-finals, Uzbekistan’s top seed  Polina Merenkova struggled past seventh seed R. Archanaah  6-1, 3-6, 6-3 while second seed S. Theiviya thrashed fifth  seed Ti Jia Wei 6-3, 6-0.

Lake View win title in Sabah

WILSON’S Lake View of Petaling Jaya retained their Sabah Invitational Team tennis Tournament, also known as the  “1Malaysia Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor Challenge Trophy, for the third straight year in Kota Kinabalu recently.
The champions received RM4,500 and tennis equipment, sponsored by Wilson for their efforts.
Among the participating teams were Kota Kinabalu, Tawau, Sandakan, Petaling Jaya, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.
The tournament, which incepted four years ago, is aimed to promote tennis and also boost tourism in Sabah.
Sabah Tennis Association president Johnson Koh and Sutera Harbour Marina, Golf & Country Club general manager Brian E. Werner gave away the prizes.

Results — 1.  Lake View (Wilson) Petaling Jaya, 2  KK Frenz Sabah, 3 Advantage Tennis Singapore, 4 DLP Dunlop Kuala Lumpur, 5  Mutiara Tawau.

Losers pool — 1 Likas Wolves Kota Kinabalu, 2 Sandakan Golf & Country Club, 3 ILP Sandakan Tennis Club, 4  One Tennis Team Tawau, 5 Lestari IPG Kampus Tawau

Top seeds Ariez and Polina make it to semis

KUALA LUMPUR: Top seed Ariez Elyaas (picture) moved into the men’s singles semi-finals in the fourth leg of the BMW Malaysia National Circuit when he defeated Khoo Er Yang, 6-2, 7-5 at the Tun Razak Tennis Complex in Jalan Duta yesterday.
Also advancing to the last four is Syed Mohd Agil who trounced Mohd Ashaari 6-3, 6-1.
Unseeded Pruchya Isaro of Thailand continued his giant-killing act, beating Indonesia’s Marco Sitepu 6-2, 6-3.
Malaysia’s Si Yew Ming proved that he is the player to beat as he staved off the challenge from Ahmad Deedat to win 4-6, 6-4, 7-5. The semi-finals will be played today with Ariez facing Syed Mohd and Pruchya taking on veteran Yew Ming.
In the women’s singles, top seed Polina Merenkova of Uzbekistan eliminated Alyssa Boey 6-3, 7-6 (8-6). Adelle, the elder sister of Alyssa, was also ousted, losing 6-3, 6-0 to Archanaah Rajan.
Neesha Thirumalichelvam’s gallant run came to an end when she was beaten 7-5, 6-4 by Ti Jia Wei.
In the last quarter-final, Theviya Selvarajoo downed Aslina Chua 6-3, 6-3.
Theviya plays Jia Wei for a place in the final today. The other semi-final is between Merenkova and Archanaah. - www.thestar.com.my

Ariez to take on Er Yang in the quarter-finals

KUALA LUMPUR: Top seed Ariez Elyas crushed Keenan Kam 6-1, 6-2 to storm into the quarter-finals of the fourth leg of the BMW national tennis circuit at the Tun Razak Tennis Complex in Jalan Duta.

Ariez will take on Khoo Er Yang in the last eight today. Er Yang scored a similar 6-1, 6-2 win over Wan Abdul Muiz.
Fourth seed Mohd Ashaari Zainal Abidin and seventh seed Ahmed Deedat also sailed into the last eight. Ashaari beat Mohd Fazree Said 6-3, 6-4 while Ahmed edged Low Kar Win 6-4, 6-2.
Unseeded Neesha Thirumalichelvam (picture) staged an upset in the women’s singles when she ousted third seed Yus Syazlin Nabila Yusry 1-6, 6-4, 7-5 to make the last eight.
Neesha, who is studying at the University of Cumberland in the United States and who is back on holiday, will take on Ti Jia Wei next.
Top seed Polina Merenkova of Uzbekistan is also through to the last eight, where she will face sixth seed Allyssa Boey.
The other quarter-finals will pit Allyssa’s elder sister Adelle, the fourth seed, against Selangor’s Archanah Rajan and second seed Theviya Selvarajoo against Sarawak’s Aslina Chua. - www.thestar.com.my

BMW Group Malaysia supports the Lawn Tennis Association of Malaysia’s National Circuit 2012

BMW Group Malaysia yesterday further extended its commitment to the sport of Tennis in the country as the premium carmaker announced its partnership of the Lawn Tennis Association of Malaysia’s National Circuit 2012.

Announcing the partnership, Mr. Frank Scheffer, Director of Finance and Administration, BMW Group Malaysia said, “For the last two years, BMW Group Malaysia has been the premium partner of the BMW Malaysia Open, a world class tennis tournament sanctioned by the Women Tennis Association (WTA) Tour here in Malaysia. Now we are taking our commitment a step ahead with support at the ‘grassroots’ level with the BMW Malaysia National Circuit.”

Scheffer added that the move to support the sport of tennis at the national development level is a logical step in the holistic approach that the BMW Group applies to its devotion to sporting brilliance.

“The BMW Malaysia National Circuit is a clear reflection of our commitment to the sport of tennis across the full spectrum of participation levels – amateur to professional. It is an authentic approach which is shared across all sporting initiatives the BMW Group is involved in – Golf, Motorsports, Sailing and in the next month, the 2012 Summer Olympics and Paralympics in London, UK where the BMW Group is the Official Automotive Partner. We will continue to both drive the nation’s passion and awareness of the game of tennis and at the same time provide the competitive environments that will allow leading Malaysian players to continually develop their skills and expand their experience,” said Scheffer.

Echoing Scheffer’s sentiments,Tan Sri Datuk Abdul Razak Latiff, President of the Lawn Tennis Association of Malaysia (LTAM) said; “Having BMW commit to the title partnership position of the Malaysian Open has provided the springboard to really take the event to the next level and with them now also partnering the Malaysian National Circuit, we really look forward to working with them to build on the foundations that we have put in place and through time, produce a champion.

He further added; “With the winner gaining entry to the BMW Malaysian Open, our leading young players will be provided a once in a life time opportunity and the experience that these players will garner from participating in such an event, which has such a such depth of talent amongst its player lineup can only help push for their future success.”

Malaysia’s Minister for Youth and Sports, YB Dato' Sri Ahmad Shabery Cheek who was also in attendance said, “The global popularity of tennis is obvious to all with the coverage the sport receives and it is my wish that one day in the future we will see a Malaysian at the very top of the sport. It is initiatives like these from the private sector, which compliment the local and National Association’s efforts which will make this dream a reality. I applaud BMW Group Malaysia for having both the vision and the drive to make these initiatives happen.”

The inaugural leg of the BMW Malaysia National Circuit 2012 is set to serve up end to end tennis action from the 14th to 18th July 2012 at the Kompleks Tenis Tun Razak, Jalan Duta. The competition, which is open to all Malaysians over the age of 14 years old, will see 128 men and 64 women singles players competing in a knock-out format competition over the course of four days for the prize purse of RM 30,000 as well as professional ranking points.

BMW Group Malaysia will also be supporting the Masters of the BMW Malaysia National Circuit competition which is the culmination of all the BMW National Circuit tournaments during the 2012 calendar year. Played in the month of October, the Masters will take the top 16 ranked men and women players drawn from all previous legs as well as determine the wildcard entries to the BMW Malaysian Open next year. - source BMW

MALAYSIAN OPEN TAKES ANOTHER LEAP FORWARD

KUALA LUMPUR: Celebrating its fourth year, the US$947,750 Malaysian Open, Kuala Lumpur ATP World Tour tournament, today announced that brilliant Spaniard David Ferrer, the World No. 5 and Asia’s incredibly popular leading player and World No. 18, Kei Nishikori of Japan, have confirmed their participation in the event, which takes place at Putra Stadium, Bukit Jalil from September 22 - 30.

“With David being a French Open semi-finalist, Wimbledon and Australian Open quarter finalist this year and having already won 2012 titles in Auckland on hard court, Buenos Aires, Acapulco on clay and ’s-Hertogenbosch on grass, he will be the highest ranked player ever to play our tournament,” said Tournament Director Nick Freyer, of organisers IMG.  David Ferrer is currently the 2012 match win leader on the Tour. He has won more matches than any other player, including Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal.”

“Kei, who launched his rise to the upper echelons of the rankings last year in KL, first played here as a wild card recipient ranked #170 in 2009.  Having recovered from a stomach muscle injury that prevented him from playing at Roland Garros, he went on to reach the final 32 at Wimbledon. If his form continues, we hope that he will play the Malaysian Open, Kuala Lumpur 2012 as a newly minted top 10 player come September.”

The Malaysian Open, Kuala Lumpur is supported by the Ministry of Tourism and Tourism Malaysia who are founding sponsors of the tournament.  The event Patron is YABhg. Datin Paduka Seri Rosmah Mansor, wife of the Prime Minister of Malaysia.

“Now in its fourth year, the Malaysian Open, Kuala Lumpur has built a global reputation amongst players and fans as one of the most polished, enjoyable and hospitable ATP World Tour 250 tournaments anywhere,” said Y.B. Dato’ Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen, Minister of Tourism,  Malaysia.   “Broadcast into millions of homes around the world and featuring “Malaysia Truly Asia Review” (Hawkeye line calling technology), the tournament is a must see week which sports fans, visitors and residents alike truly look forward to.”

“The Ministry of Tourism and Tourism Malaysia are proud to be associated with this event once again, as it continues to showcase our country through a multitude of media and new media platforms in Malaysia and internationally.”
As part of its 4th anniversary celebrations, the tournament is excited to announce four major new sponsors – Rado, Corona (an ATP World Tour Premier Partner), 100Plus and the DoubleTree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur, which join long-term sponsors Wilson, CNN International and Astro, the official host broadcaster. 

This year the Malaysian Open, Kuala Lumpur will join forces with the DoubleTree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur on a “Baked with CARE” charity initiative where some of the ATP World Tour players will bake DoubleTree chocolate chip cookies. These will be presented for sale in autographed cookie tins with proceeds going to the Dignity For Children Foundation charity. More information is available through www.dignityforchildren.org. These cookies can be purchased at the tournament information booth, the VIP Hospitality suite and at the hotel itself.

“We are thrilled to be given the opportunity to play host for the first time to some of the world’s best male tennis players, and as we continue to extend our culture of CARE beyond the team and our guests, into the community in which we operate.  Our dedicated team is here to provide the warmest, personalized service possible, so that all players can be geared up to put on a great show when they walk on court,” said Ian Barrow, General Manager of the DoubleTree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur.

“We are delighted and appreciative that after three years of world-class performance, that the corporate community is beginning to step up and recognize the value that the tournament delivers,” said Tournament Director Nick Freyer of IMG.

“We are still very much indebted to the Event Patron and the Minister of Tourism and her team for making this tournament possible, and this year, I would also like to express deep thanks to Y. Bhg. Datuk Jamil bin Salleh, Deputy Secretary General (International and Administration), Ministry of Youth and Sports, Malaysia, and the team at Stadium Putra for accommodating us during their renovation year.” 

Astro, the host broadcaster will televise all singles matches LIVE on Center Court from Thursday to Sunday. The Malaysian Open, Kuala Lumpur will be televised internationally in over 100 countries and will be viewed by an estimated global audience, including Malaysia, of 350 million viewers. It is one of the most televised ATP World Tour 250 events anywhere and is a powerful advertisement for Malaysia.  Domestic and international broadcasts will include “Malaysia Truly Asia Review” Hawkeye technology and graphics branding.

The event is sanctioned by the Lawn Tennis Association of Malaysia (LTAM) which is also a founding supporter of the event.  As per tradition, at least two qualifying wild cards will be provided to local players and there will be opportunity for one or two local players to participate in the main draw of the doubles. There will also be a tennis clinic, this year called the “100Plus Junior Tennis Clinic”, for aspiring elite players with some of the ATP World Tour stars.

“Now in its 4th year, The Malaysian Open, Kuala Lumpur has developed a reputation on the ATP World Tour as one of the most hospitable and best organised 250 tournaments around,” said The Rt Hon Tan Sri Datuk Abdul Razak Latiff, President, Lawn Tennis Association of Malaysia.
“That, combined with the opportunities for our own players to compete amongst the world's best, along with the many fun and exciting marketing activities conducted each year, means the Lawn Tennis Association of Malaysia is once again proud to be an integral part of this tournament, as it continues to help grow this key fixture on the annual Malaysian sporting and social calendar.”

Tickets for the 2012 Malaysian Open, Kuala Lumpur will be available immediately through TicketCharge Ph: 603-92228811 and also via the tournament’s website http://www.malaysianopentennis.com/2012/tickets.php. The price of tickets remain incredibly competitive, RM10 to RM100, with tickets ranking amongst the least costly of any ATP World Tour tournament anywhere. Admission is free on the qualifying weekend and on main draw Monday, with reserved seating effective Tuesday to Sunday. Additionally, every day from Tuesday to Sunday, 500 ATP World Tour t-shirts will be given away to ticket holders, in addition to the popular catch the autographed ball promotions conducted after every centre court match, with hundreds of prizes to be won, including a spectacular Rado watch or two.

The vivid and fun official website is www.MalaysianOpenTennis.com which highlights all things to do with the tournament. The official Facebook page is http://www.facebook.com/MalaysianOpen.KualaLumpur and the Twitter site can be found at http://twitter.com/#!/KLopentennis.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: : Local Media Director, Malaysia, Mr. Ghaz Ramli at 60-16 243 0848 or email : ghazoo21@gmail.com