Thursday, January 7th, 2010
Wednesday Round-up

Team Russia Battles Past a Fighting Team Asia Pacific

By Tom Reed

Thursday January 7, 2010 Last night saw Team Russia tested by a worthy opponent in Team Asia Pacific, but manage to power their way into the Gold Group Final in front of a sellout crowd at Victoria Park. Russia prevailed 3-1, led by a gutsy performance by Team Russia Captain Maria Sharapova.

In the first match of the day Team Russia’s Vera Zvonareva took on young Japanese player Ayumi Morita. Despite the straightforward scoreline of 6-2 6-2, Ayumi put in a brave performance against her top 10 ranked opponent and her determination to run down every ball gave the local crowd much to cheer about.

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The second match of the day was a three set thriller lasting almost 2 and a half hours, which saw Sharapova fight back from the brink of defeat to outlast the crafty Zheng. Maria rallied back from a set and 2-4 down using her trademark power hitting to overcome the classic counter punching style of the Team Asia Pacific Captain 6-7 (5) 6-4 6-2.

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The third match of the evening saw the men take centre stage in a see-saw encounter with Team Asia Pacific’s Paradorn Srichaphan defeating Former World No. 1 Russian Yevgeny Kafelnikov 6-2 1-6 10-4.

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The final match saw Maria Sharapova and Yevgeny Kafelnikov take on Asia Pacific’s Ayumi Morita and Paradorn Srichaphan. In a highly entertaining match which saw a spirited Asia Pacific save several match points, it was the Russian’s power and weight of experience that made the difference, with Team Russia prevailing 6-4 7-5.

Today, number one seeds Team Europe take on Team Americas in what are sure to be some thrilling encounters.

Wednesday’s Results

Team Russia d. Team Asia Pacific 3-1

Team Russia #1 Maria Sharapova d. Team Asia Pacific #1 Zheng Jie 6-7 (5) 6-4 6-2

Team Russia #2 Vera Zvonareva d. Team Asia Pacific #2 Ayumi Morita 6-2 6-2

Team Asia Pacific- Paradorn Srichaphan d. Team Russia- Yevgeny Kafelnikov 6-2 1-6 10-4

Team Russia- Maria Sharapova & Yevgeny Kafelnikov d. Team Asia Pacific- Ayumi Morita & Paradorn Srichaphan 6-4 7-5

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Ladies Day Afternoon Tea – Darjeeling please! - Thursday, December 24th, 2009

No big event can go take place without Ladies Day. On Friday January 8th at 3.30pm dozens of ladies will join for traditional afternoon tea - scones, jam and cream plus contemporary dim sum morsels. To round off an indulgent afternoon guests will be able to meet Ayumi Morita and Caroline Wozniacki who will stop by and say hi. A further treat will be the chance to meet and greet Miss Universe 2005, Natalie Glebova, wife of Paradorn Srichaphan who will tell us what it means to be Miss Universe. If you haven’t got tickets, rush to get yours, they will sell out. If you already have a Patron Badge or an Admission Ticket you can buy a Tea ticket for just HK$250. What a day to look forward to!

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Who is Playing Who? - Thursday, December 24th, 2009

Confused? A snapshot for Day 1 Wednesday sees crowd favourite Maria Sharapova, of Team Russia take on darling Zheng Jie,  of Team Asia Pacific. Later that day Marat Safin faces Paradron Srichaphan, a mouthwatering prospect for the fans. An Opening Ceremony to thrill takes place at 6pm and the traditional “ball hitting” and screams of “Me,” dominates the fun. Day 2 Thursday sees Venus of Team Americas take on Caroline Wozniacki of Team Europe, the latter now a heavyweight of the game and gunning for No 1.  Expect every seat and every corner to be taken, squeezing room only…..And again later that evening Wimbledon great Stefan Edberg faces Asian idol Michael Chang, who will miss that? For details of the full schedule log onto the website http://www.hongkongtennisclassic.com/

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Whaaa! VIP Patrons Boxes Sold Out….! - Thursday, December 24th, 2009

At the time of writing, Patron Boxes had almost sold out. What a turn around after the last 12 months, but the bottom line is that companies and Hong Kong people will pay for quality and what they want to see. Indeed, one Patron emailed and said “I only had to send out invitations once and they were snapped up, people like to see big names of yesterday together with the stars of today.” It may also have something to do with the Jockey Club catering and first class food and service. Patrons also get to go the Players Party and they receive a beautifully presented VIP Kit for Guests with Badge Passes, souvenir programme coupons etc.

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Maria and Venus, dare we say Veterans of the Tour? - Thursday, December 24th, 2009

They are still young but in some ways they’re veterans of the Tour. Maria started on the pro circuit at the age of 15 years, indeed she played in Hong Kong for the first time at that age, and just 18 months later she won Wimbledon at 17. She’s still only 22 years old and is back into the top 20 after a debilitating shoulder injury.  Venus has been around longer at 29 years old and is now an ambassador for tennis. Meeting international athletes proves that experiencing varied cultures and travelling from a young age accelerates the maturing process. How many women of the same age have learnt what these two women been privileged to learn, or indeed put it to such good use?

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Men, Men, Men… - Thursday, December 24th, 2009

Fans seem to love the combination of Men and Women, tickets for the Hong Kong Tennis Classic are selling fast. Prices range from HK$330-630 for outer ring tickets, to HK$480-780 for tickets for inner ring tickets. As usual, the more expensive tickets go first and demand for the dress circle is strong. Said one fan ” ….it’s no wonder they sell first, it’s a small stadium and we can get really close to the action. We can watch our favourite players, and it’s fun to see them close up and hear what they say. Sometimes it’s really funny…”

Tickets are on sale at URBTIX outlets or at http://www.urbtix.hk.

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