(Hong Kong, November 26th, 2009) - Hotly anticipated tickets for the Hong Kong Tennis Classic 2010 go on sale Monday November 30th. Demand has never been stronger for the annual January tournament. Ticket prices for the 4 day event range from HK$330 to HK$780, and a limited number of student tickets are available at HK$150 - $280. Tickets can be purchased from URBTIX outlets or by calling the Hotline +852 2734 9009, and for those wishing to book online the address is www.urbtix.hk. Organizers also anticipate tour groups will come to Hong Kong to watch the event.
 
Co-Tournament Director, Mr. Terry Catton said "Since we announced the line up on October 27th, there has been a stream of enquiries, in fact for the first few days after the announcement we had a flood of calls asking about tickets. The World Team Challenge concept has caught the imagination but I think it's the combination of stars that make this an irresistible event. There's something for everyone, a perfect romance in fact, with the four male legends Stefan, Michael, Paradorn and Marat, plus the two big names Venus and Maria, and fast track stars Caroline Wozniacki and Victoria Azarenka. Each match is a mouthwatering prospect and will have support for one or other player. The atmosphere's going to be electric."
 
Organizers also released details of the Tournament Draw and Schedule of Play. On Wednesday January 6th, the showpiece match features Team Russia’s Maria Sharapova against Team Asia Pacific's Zheng Jie, a contest which is bound to draw a huge crowd, and on Thursday the feature match sees Team Americas’ Venus Williams take on Team Europe’s Caroline Wozniacki. To add spice to these encounters will be Michael Chang's match up against Stefan Edberg on Thursday, an event sure to draw a full house. The return of Sharapova, after last year's absence due to injury, will attract new fans who haven't seen her, and of course she has a legion of existing admirers who just love watching her play.

Matches will begin at 4.30pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. On the Saturday Finals the first match starts at 11:00am, then a break for lunch, followed by three further matches in the afternoon/evening. Winners of the first round advance to the Gold Group Final and losers advance to the Silver Group Final. Fans will have the chance to see all the players play at least twice.
 
The Hong Kong Tennis Classic reverts to its original name when the tournament started in 1978; in January 2010 it is supported by the Hong Kong Government's Mega Events Fund, the LCSD and our Principal Sponsors, Canon HongKong Co., Ltd and Cathay Pacific Airways, giving Hong Kong the chance to host the No 1 boutique event in Asia.
 
< E N D >
 
* Any opinions or recommendations expressed in this material / any activities organized under this event do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region or the Mega Events Fund Assessment Committee.

For more information, please contact the following:
KCE Sport and Entertainment
Mr. Brian Catton, Co-Tournament Director
Ms. Amy Tsang, PR & Communications Manager 
Tel: (852) 2723 8721/ Fax: (852) 2311 0040
Email: amy@kcesport.com.hk