Sania and Leander will be star attraction in Asian tourney

Hyderabad, Nov 4 (UNI) Tennis sensation Sania Mirza besides Leander Paes will spearhead India's challenge in the 70,000 dollar Asian Hopman Cup to be held here from November 22 to 26.

The top six Asian Countries----China, Japan, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, Uzbekistan and host India---will take part in the mixed team events.

The winner of the event will qualify for the World Group Hopman Cup to be held in Perth, Australia in January 2007.

Speaking to the media, Andhra Pradesh Sports Minister M Satyanarayana Rao and Minister for Information and Public Relations Shabbir Ali Mohd said the draw for the tournament will be made on November 22 and the tournament will have a brief opening ceremony on November 23 before the matches begin on that day.

The winner of the tournment will take home a purse of 20,000 dollars while runners up 12,000 dollars.

All India Tennis Association(AITA) will conduct the tournament under the auspices of SAAP.

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