(Hong Kong, December 30th, 2009) - Organisers of the Hong Kong Tennis Classic were informed on Christmas Eve that Marat Safin was unable to take his place for Team Russia in the upcoming tournament. His agent said that Safin has been suffering from a wrist injury - which almost prevented him from playing in his farewell event in Paris - and the injury had still not healed properly. "Marat cannot aggravate it further by playing at this level."
 
Safin himself said,” I am really sorry I cannot play Hong Kong, I was very much looking forward to the event. I also apologise to my fans for not being able to take part, and hopefully I can play at a future tournament."
 
Tournament Director, Terry Catton regretted his withdrawal but announced that Safin's replacement is former World No. 1 Yevgeny Kafelnikov, now playing on the ATP Champions Tour. The Russian champion retired in 2003, and soon after turned his hand to professional poker, a game he also excelled at. His recent return to the Champions Tour earned him instant recognition, and he is now one of the Tours' top competitors. Catton said "Yevgeny has won two Grand Slam Singles titles and four Grand Slam Doubles titles, he is a former No. 1 and will be a first class replacement for Marat."
 
The Hong Kong Tennis Classic takes place from January 6th - 9th 2010, and tickets and VIP Boxes for the annual tournament have been hot items in the lead up to Christmas. Tickets can still be bought at URBTIX outlets and are priced from HK$330 to HK$780.
 
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*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. Terry Catton, Co-Tournament Director
Ms. Amy Tsang, PR & Communications Manager 
Tel: (852) 2723 8721/ (852) 9809 8710 Fax: (852) 2311 0040
Email: amy@kcesport.com.hk