- Rising stars Verdasco and Tsonga join icons Federer and Nadal as six of the world’s leading men’s players compete in the capital- Tickets already selling fast for the nation’s leading sporting event
Flash Entertainment, in partnership with Capitala, has announced six of the most prominent players currently competing in the world of professional tennis are set for a thrilling return to the Capitala World Tennis Championship.
Following last year’s successful tournament, the event has attracted a star-studded field with world number one Roger Federer and Spanish superstar Rafael Nadal, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Nikolay Davydenko, Fernando Verdasco and Robin Soderling completing a spectacular line-up of the world’s top tennis players.
The Capitala World Tennis Championship will see the players in action across three spectacular days at the Abu Dhabi International Tennis Complex at Zayed Sports City from 31 December 2009 – 2 January 2010.
Roger Federer, who returns to the event for a second year running, said:
“I’m very much looking forward to coming back to Abu Dhabi for the Capitala World Tennis Championship. Last year’s tournament was absolutely superb. The line-up this year is very strong once again and I am looking forward to playing in front of the Abu Dhabi crowds who really do get behind the players. Abu Dhabi is a wonderful city and I think what it is doing to promote the game of tennis across the region is fantastic.”
John Lickrish, Managing Director of Flash Entertainment, the company behind the event, believes the Capitala World Tennis Championship will be an even greater success than its first year which saw sold out stadia and an action-packed three days of world-class tennis and entertainment.
Mr Lickrish said:
“We are delighted to announce the return of the Capitala World Tennis Championship to Abu Dhabi and with another line-up of top players we are sure that the event will again be hugely popular. Securing the most coveted players in the world of tennis to compete in this year’s tournament is tantamount to the ambition of Flash to create an event calendar for Abu Dhabi that appeals across all nationalities and cultures residing in or visiting the capital and that is enviable the world-over.”
Heang Fine Wong Chief Executive Officer Capitala, added:
“The Capitala World Tennis Championship was extremely successful last year and we are honoured to be the title sponsor again this year. A number of initiatives and advancements at the grass roots level have been announced this year such as the Capitala Community Cup and the Capitala Tennis in Schools Programme. We are certain these programmes will further elevate the profile of tennis in the UAE amongst all age groups and communities. This is in line with our objective to encourage the wider community to live an active lifestyle and enjoy the health benefits of this fantastic game.”
In the run-up to the main tournament a number of community events will be held across the capital and neighbouring Emirates encouraging those of all ages, nationalities and abilities to get involved in the sport of tennis. The Capitala Community Cup will see local tennis enthusiasts invited to take part in a number of community tournaments for their chance to win a spot at one of four exclusive tennis clinics with the star players at the event. Those wanting to play can pick up an entry form from their local tennis club or visit www.capitalawtc.com.
The Capitala Tennis in Schools Programme, which aims to educate children on the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and promote the sport of tennis is in full swing. It is now taking the game to enthusiastic youngsters across the country. Physical Education teachers from Abu Dhabi and Dubai have participated in briefing sessions with coaches and have been provided tennis kits and equipment for their schools by the tournament. The coaches will continue to visit schools throughout the coming months giving further training sessions. Children from each school will also be given the chance to participate in a skills competition on centre court during the Capitala World Tennis Championship for their chance to win exclusive signed player merchandise.
Speaking about these outreach initiatives, Mr Lickrish said:
“Having the sport’s top men’s players on board is hugely exciting and we hope that with their support we can further encourage the local community to get involved in what truly is a fantastic sport. We hope not only to encourage the people of Abu Dhabi to enjoy watching the professionals play but also to spur them on to take to the court themselves.”
As well as three days of spectacular tennis, the Capitala World Tennis Championship will also boast its very own Tennis Village which will include a range of fun and exciting activities including player signings and practice sessions, competitions and a Nintendo Wii wall. The Tennis Village is absolutely free and open to the public and for those who don’t get their hands on a ticket there will still be the opportunity to soak up all the atmosphere in the village and catch the live action on the big screens.
The Capitala World Tennis Championship was launched in 2008 by Flash Entertainment, the region’s leading events consultancy, and Capitala, the Abu Dhabi-based strategic real estate master developer. The event aims to raise awareness of the benefits of tennis and the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle, whilst also leaving a legacy for the community beyond the tournament.
Tickets for the event are on sale online at www.boxofficeme.com. Fans who buy their tickets before 31st October 2009 will have a chance to win a signed Roger Federer Wilson racket! Visit www.capitalawtc.com for more information.
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