The Hong Kong Tennis Patrons’ Association (TPA) announced today a new sponsor for its annual champions tournament in January. Formerly known as the Watsons Water Champions Challenge, the event is now the J B • GROUP Classic 2008.
Aside from its new sponsor announcement, the J B • GROUP Classic 2008 unveiled its stellar field of competitors, including Maria Sharapova, Venus Williams, Ana Ivanovic, and Anna Chakvetadze.
“We’re delighted to welcome the J B • GROUP as the Title Sponsor of Hong Kong’s biggest tennis event,” Ian Wade, President of the Hong Kong Tennis Patrons’ Association said in a statement released by the event today. “The tournament will be known as the J B • GROUP Classic 2008.”
One of the largest annual tennis exhibition events in the world, the J B • GROUP Classic 2008 has already confirmed the participation of six of the eight singles players for January’s event.
“We’re excited at our line up of stars and we’re proud we can announce such a fine group of players,” added Wade. “The TPA is delighted to be welcoming back Venus Williams. She returns to Hong Kong for the 5th time, and she’s coming back as Wimbledon Champion. Also returning is global star Maria Sharapova, who makes a popular return for the 5th time.”
2007 Roland Garros finalist Ana Ivanovic, Bank of the West Classic champion Anna Chakvetadze, Peng Shuai, and Caroline Wozniacki are also scheduled to participate. The names of the remaining two singles players and one alternate have not yet been announced.
“It’s a fantastic field,” J B • GROUP Chairman Mr. Bhupen Surani said. “This is why Hong Kong is such a great place. Can you imagine a city that can attract 6 world-class players like we have done? With another two to come. I’m proud we’re sponsoring the J B • GROUP Classic 2008.”
The eight players will compete in a quarterfinals draw. The four winners advance to the Gold Group, and the four losers go into the Silver Group. Both groups will then comprise of two semi-final matches and one final. There will be a Gold Group Champion and a Silver Group Champion.
In the doubles event, four pairs (the same eight players) will compete in a knockout format, with two semi-final matches and one final.
The J B • GROUP Classic will be played over four days, from January 2nd to the 5th, at the Victoria Park Tennis Stadium, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong.
i really like the mix of established stars with up-and-comers they always achieve in Hong Kong. The fact they play doubles aswell makes it even better. i really wish i could go to Hong Kong! wouldn’t it be hilarious if Venus and Sharapova had to play doubles together. i doubt it would be the friendliest of teams.
Now that would be quite the combo!
Actually, a few stints of playing doubles would do well to help Sharapova’s net game, especially for when she has to play women like Henin or Mauresmo.
[...] For information about the 2008 tennis exhibition in Hong Kong, please visit here. [...]
[...] and Dementieva will join Ana Ivanovic, Maria Sharapova, Anna Chakvetadze, Venus Williams, Peng Shuai, and Caroline Wozniacki [...]
does anyone know where to purchase tickets?