Bangalore to host Sony Ericsson WTA International

Bangalore, Dec 18 (UNI) Increasing its commitment to Tennis Sony Ericsson today announced its support to the US Dollar 175,000 tier III WTA tour event in Bangalore to be held between February 12 and 18 with prime contestants being Serena Williams and Sania Mirza.

The event had a colourful announcement today amid a fashion show in the presence of Sania, who has just returned after her triple medal bonanza in Doha Asian Games.

Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA) and the State Government would co host the event that will attract a number of prominent players from across the globe, KSLTA Hon Secretary C S Sunder Raju told newsmen. Only Sania, Ranked 65 and Serena ranked 95 in WTA rankings, have confirmed. The names of other players would be known three weeks before the tournament, Mr Raju said. Serena will be playing in India for the first time.

Sony Ericsson Head for Marketing Dee Dutta expressed confidence that the two would be joined by many talented players in the event.

The event would sit along side other tennis commitments of Sony Ericsson, Mr Dutta said adding that the other events included Sony Ericsson WTA tour, and the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami to debut in March next year.

Serena in a Video clipping telecast at the press conference said she was very excited to play in the Bangalore event. She said she had heard a lot about Bangalore and was keen to play in the city.

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