Henin-Hardenne pulls out of China Open

BEIJING, Sep 16 (Reuters) Belgium's world number two Justine Henin-Hardenne has pulled out of next week's WTA China Open because of her Fed Cup commitments, organisers said today.

Henin, the losing finalist at the US Open last week, is playing for Belgium in the Fed Cup final against Italy in Charleroi this weekend.

World number one Amelie Mauresmo of France, however, is already in the Chinese capital, organisers told reporters at the draw for the 600,000 dollar tournament at the Beijing Tennis Centre.

This week's ATP China Open lost two of its big draws when Spain's world number two Rafael Nadal, the defending champion, and Argentine David Nalbandian pulled out through injury and illness respectively.

REUTERS DH PM1917