Chela to lead Argentina at Hopman Cup

Brisbane (Australia) Oct 21; Argentine Juan Ignacio Chela will spearhead his country's challenge for the 2007 Hopman Cup mixed tennis tournament in Perth in December.

Chela will be partnered by Gisela Dulko, who will be playing in the tournament for the third time.

Argentina joins already announced teams India, Serbia, the Czech Republic and France in the eight-nation field.

Tournament director Paul McNamee said he wanted a team from South America to be represented at the Hopman Cup.

''So few events exist where men and women can play side by side,'' McNamee said.

''South America has a number of great male players and a fantastic tennis tradition but the women are not so common.

''Gisela Dulko is the only South American woman in the top 50.

Juan is having a fantastic year and hasn't been to Perth before so he gives us the opportunity to showcase another top 20 player.'' The Hopman Cup begins on December 29 and runs until January 4 and is considered an important lead-up event for the Australian Open.

Reuters>