Groups line up for Hong Kong 2009

Organisers announced today a star-studded line up to take part in the J B • GROUP Classic 2009, a World Team Challenge.

The Hong Kong Tennis Patrons’ Association (HKTPA) recently created a new concept for their January Event. The J B • GROUP Classic will feature teams from four regions of the globe, Team Europe, Team Russia, Team Americas and Team Asia Pacific. There are 3 players to each team and full details of each team and the format were announced today.

Team Europe
Jelena Jankovic (Serbia) – World No. 1
Agnes Szavay (Hungary) – China Open Champion 2007
Michelle Larcher De Brito (Portugal) – Portuguese No. 1

Team Russia
Maria Sharapova (Russia) – Australian Open Champion 2008
Vera Zvonareva (Russia) – World No. 7
Alexandra Panova (Russia) – Star of the Future

Team Americas
Venus Williams (USA) – Wimbledon Champion 2008
Gisela Dulko (Argentina) – South American No. 1
Coco Vandeweghe (USA) – US Open Junior Champion 2008

Team Asia Pacific
Zheng Jie (China) – Wimbledon Semi finalist 2008
Sania Mirza (India) –Indian No. 1
Zhang Ling (Hong Kong) – Hong Kong No. 1


Mr. Ian Wade, President of the Hong Kong Tennis Patrons’ Association said “It’s fantastic when you look at these Teams and see how many world class players are taking part. Each player will be proud to represent their region, and they will be wanting to win. The competition and rivalry will be intense, and we can be sure Team Asia Pacific is going to receive a roar of support from local fans. And I’m delighted we’ve got a Hong Kong girl in the line up, she’ll benefit from the exposure, just like Maria did when she first played here 6 years ago.”

The third player in each group is considered by many experts as a Star of Tomorrow. Hong Kong has a history of giving these youngsters opportunities to be exposed to the world's best, and the TPA will stage a Stars of Tomorrow event on January 5th. Each of these players will also take up their position in the main Doubles event.

The Hong Kong Tennis Patrons’ Association released details of the Tournament Format and Draw for the J B • GROUP Classic 2009 World Team Challenge.

The Semi Finals
Team Russia play Team Asia Pacific
AND
Team Americas play Team Europe

Each semi final will consist of 2 singles matches and 1 doubles match. Winners of the two semi finals go into the J B Gold Group Final and Losers go into the J B Silver Group Final where they will play to determine the Champions of both groups.

In the J B Gold Group, the winners of the J B • GROUP Classic 2009 will be determined by a round of 5 matches consisting of 4 singles matches and a doubles match, just like the Davis or Federation Cups.

Mr. Jatin Chutke, President, J B • GROUP Corporate Management said “I love the idea of a Team event, hopefully we’re going to see sections of the crown cheering loudly for the team they are supporting. It’s going to an electric atmosphere, hearing the Umpire say “Advantage Asia Pacific…..Game, Asia Pacific.”

Tickets sales for the Event were also announced today. Sales start on December 4th and can be bought from all URBTIX outlets. Prices range from HK$280 to HK$680. The TPA President commented, "Given the economic downturn the Committee has made a conscious decision not to increase prices, we depend on the fans for our success, and they deserve our every consideration. This move will mean ticket prices have stayed the same for the last four years.”

The J B • GROUP Classic takes place from January 7th-10th inclusive at Victoria Park.