A star-studded field headed by former world number one John McEnroe and 11-times Grand Slam singles winner Bjorn Borg will play in November at the Chengdu Open, organizers announced on Tuesday.
The Chengdu Open, which will take place from Nov.5 to 8 in the capital city of northwest China's Sichuan Province, is Asia's only event on the 12-leg ATP Champions Tour circuit.
"Chengdu is part of an elite group of cities to host an ATP Champions Tour event and I am thrilled to say that the first five players we are announcing today are John McEnroe, Bjorn Borg, Michael Chang, Mats Wilander and Marcelo Rios," said Tournament Director Nick Freyer.
"Between them, these five super stars of sport have amassed a staggering 26 Grand Slam singles crowns and being able to host the Chengdu Open is a major coup for Chengdu. The event is sure to gain plenty of attention from the public, media and international television."
The eight players will be divided into two groups for round-robin play, the top two players from the groups will meet in the final while the runners-up from each group will play-off for third and fourth place.
"I am extremely excited to be making my first trip to China in a very long time; this is a country that is fast becoming a major player in world tennis," John McEnroe said. "I know that Chengdu and Sichuan Province is already famous as the home to the giant panda."
"It is a great honor for the city to host an ATP Champions Tour event. I understand the field of players is very strong and I am of course happy that my good friend Bjorn Borg will be returning to China. We always have such great matches; which are part of tennis history."
Between the five players announced, they have been ranked as world number one for a total of 305 weeks. Bjorn Borg meanwhile is returning to China more than 30 years after he first played here.
"I am delighted to be returning to China, this time to the vibrant city of Chengdu, home of the famous giant panda and I really look forward to playing in the Chengdu Open," Borg said. "It will be all the more special as my good friend John McEnroe will be joining us together with so many other Grand Slam champions.
"I look forward to playing well but also to enjoying the city and the company of the other Champions. Thank you for your vision in making this tournament possible and see you in November."
For sports fans in China, the name Michael Chang means so much. He was like a trailblazer for the sport in China on the world stage.
"With the boom in tennis in China, I am happy that Chengdu has taken the bold step to host this tournament which will allow me to return to China to play official ATP tennis once more," Chang said. "China has always held a special place in my heart.
"Since I retired from the ATP Tour, China has won medals in tennis at the Olympic Games, won titles at Wimbledon and the Australian Open and now hosts major ATP and WTA events in Beijing and Shanghai, so by hosting one of the 12 ATP Champions Tour tournaments, China now plays host to the full suite of professional tennis events.
"Although the field of players will be exceptionally strong, I will be ready to play my best and really look forward to a successful, enjoyable and high profile tournament in Chengdu."
A new event website was also launched www.chengduchampions.com which will be constantly updated with all the latest event news. In addition to the website, other new and exciting features that involve charity initiatives, a juniors' clinic and more were also announced.
"It was about a year ago that Chengdu was devastated by the earthquake and we at the tournament hope that these great athletes can add a bit happiness to many people in the area," Jan Felgate, CEO of the ATP Champions Tour said. "We will be holding a charity audition to include the right to participate and take pictures with the players during the on-court coin toss prior to each match in addition to auctioning signed memorabilia from players and the funds raised from these activities will be donated to the earthquake appeal."
In addition to the tennis action, the Chengdu Open will stage clinics with many of the tournament stars to develop grassroots tennis.
The tournament is being co-organized by Chengdu Sports Bureau, Chengdu Sports Industry Co. Ltd and CCTV IMG Sports Management Company.
(Xinhua News Agency April 28, 2009)
