Prakash Amritraj, Rastogi get Chennai Open wildcard

Chennai, Dec 28 (UNI) Davis Cupper Prakash Amritraj and promising Karan Rastogi, along with Spaniard Bartolome Salva Vidal, have been awarded the wild cards for the singles main draw of the Chennai Open 2007.

The Indian pair of Vishal Uppal and Ashutosh Singh also got wild cards for men's doubles main draw in the 12th edition of the tournament which gets under here on January 1.

Spanird Vidal, who got the third wild card for singles draw, is a rising star from the island city of Mallorca in Spain -- the hometown of both Carlos Moya and Rafael Nadal.

Vidal, popularly known as 'Tomeu'. will be making his debut on the ATP tour here and the youngster was given the wild card for some consistent performance in the ITF and Challenger events with a futures 36 (Vilafranca) win under his belt.

Elated after getting the wild card, 23-year old Prakash Amritraj vowed to give his best in the tournament.

''I am delighted to be given the opportunity to participate at Chennai Open 2007. I have always performed well at the tournament and it is one event that I look forward to as it is more of a home-coming of sorts,'' said Prakash, who had teamed up with Rohan Bopanna and finished runner-up in doubles last year.

''Undoubtedly, this year's field is quite challenging and Iam looking forward to give my best playing alongside Nadal, Nalbandian, Moya and others,'' he added.

Karan Rastogi, currently playing the ITF Futures in Delhi, was also happy to get a call-up.

''I have had some very good matches recently against top 100 players and it has given be full confidence to perform in the big league. I am looking forward to this challenge and would like to improve upon my earlier performances,'' he said.

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