Maria to star in Hong Kong tournament

Maria Sharapova will battle it out against American Venus Williams in January's Hong Kong invitational tennis tournament, according to a report.

Sharapova, ranked number five in the world, and Williams, ranked eight, will be joined by six other players in the annual Champions Challenge due to take place in the first week of January, the South China Morning Post said.

"Maria will be back again this year, while Venus, who did not play last year, will also make a return," the English-language daily quoted an unnamed source close to the organising committee as saying.

"Unfortunately we have not been able to secure Serena William as she has other commitments.

"The presence of Sharapova and Venus, and two others from the world's top 10, will once again ensure this tournament will be of the highest calibre."

Last year's final was won by now-retired Belgian Kim Clijsters, who beat Sharapova in the final.