{image-williams sisters_04022008.jpg news.oneindia.in}Bangalore, Feb 4: Venus Williams has become the latest celebrity to join the field with her sibling Serena in the six lakh US Dollar Bangalore Open beginning here on March 3.

While Serena had confirmed her participation earlier, the entry of reigning Wimbledon Champion Venus in the Tier-II WTA event was announced by Tournament Director Sunder Raju at a press conference here today. He said it was for the first time in India the two sisters, who together have earned 37 million US Dollar in prize money together, would be participating in the event.

The Grand Slam winners are sure to enthrall the tennis lovers, he said adding, ''It is a unique situation the two star tennis players will be playing other than in a Grand Slam event,'' he added.

Mr Raju said the confirmation of the World No six Venus was received from her office.

The 27-year-old California-born is the Olympic medallist and has 14 Grand Slam titles to her credit. Of this, six were singles (four Wimbledon and two US Open), six women's doubles and two mixed doubles titles.

''This is surely an exciting time for tennis in India. Venus is a champion beyond comparison. I am sure her confirmation coupled with Serena, will take tennis fans in India by storm.''

UNI