Organizers announced today star players to take part in the Watsons Water Champions Challenge 2006. The popular tournament consistently draws some of the biggest names in world tennis. The January event proudly hosts the following stars:
Crowd favourite and World No. 3 Lindsay Davenport makes her debut appearance at the Watsons Water Champions Challenge. A Wimbledon, US Open and Australian Open Champion, Davenport seeks to finish 2005 as World No.1, a position she's already held this year. If successful, this would be the fourth year Lindsay's finished as No.1 player in the world, an achievement proudly held in 1998, 2001 and 2004.
Joining Lindsay is current Wimbledon Champion Venus Williams. A resurgent Williams has returned to the form, which has taken her to three Wimbledon and two US Open Championships. Currently ranked No. 7 in the world, Venus is on a mission to regain the dominance she enjoyed in the early part of her career.
Making a welcome return to Hong Kong is her sister, current Australian Open Champion, Serena Williams, perhaps the most complete player in the world. Hampered by injury this year, Serena has won all four Grand Slam titles, which include the Australian Open, the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open. Taking time out for the rest of this year, Serena aims to come back in 2006, fully fit and intent on winning back these titles.
The fourth star to make her first appearance in Hong Kong is current US Open Champion, Kim Clijsters. Injured for much of last year, Kim has taken the world by storm and has leapt up to World No. 2. She has won an astonishing eight titles this year. The perennial bridesmaid Kim has now smashed the notion she can't win a Grand Slam title. She's without doubt the hottest player in the world today.
President of the Hong Kong Tennis Patrons' Association (TPA), Mr. Ian Wade commented. "Top tournaments need both new faces and established stars. I think we've achieved that. We're delighted to bring two of today's biggest stars, Lindsay Davenport and Kim Clijsters, both new faces to Hong Kong, both with impressive credentials. Most people know Kim has just won the US Open and has begun to fulfill the massive potential she displayed two years ago. She's won more tournaments in 2005 than any other player, and is probably the top player in the world right now. And with Lindsay Davenport, aficionados will be aware she's the most dangerous and arguably the most powerful player on the circuit. No. 1 for several months already this year, and currently No. 3, Lindsay has every chance of finishing on the top by the end of the season in November."
Added Mr. Wade, "Our established stars and Hong Kong favourites, Venus and Serena Williams, add luster and pedigree to an already impressive field. We're lucky that a tournament of just eight players can attract so many big names. Serena will come to Hong Kong in the knowledge she can play at the highest level. She knows she will be up against the best. To our knowledge, she's not playing another tournament before defending her Australian Open crown, indeed a compliment to Hong Kong. And Venus comes as Wimbledon Champion, there's not much better than that!"
Steve Tong, General Manager, Watsons Water commented, "Tennis fans are in for another treat this year! Watsons Water is proud that it's supporting this major event once again. Three of this year's Grand Slam Champions and the World No. 3 to headline our tournament, is fantastic. Great for tennis and great for Hong Kong!"
This year, the tournament will again be subvented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD). Terry Catton, the Co-Tournament Director said, "The Executive Committee is delighted that the TPA will receive support from the LCSD. Their help over the last six years has made the Watsons Water Champions Challenge one of the top events in Hong Kong."
The Watsons Water Champions Challenge 2006 will be played over four days at the Victoria Park Tennis Stadium from January 4th to 7th. The event will feature eight world-class female players competing in a Singles & Doubles competition. Details of the remaining four players in the field will be announced in November. The event promises to deliver another thrilling world-class tournament for the city of Hong Kong. Tickets will go on sale in early December. For further information, please telephone our Tournament Information Hotline on (852) 2311 4000.
