Player Field of Hong Kong Tennis Competition UnveiledThe 375,000-U.S.-dollar Salem Hong Kong Open, Hong Kong's ATP Tour event, will be held at Victoria Park from September 30 to October 8, organizers of the event announced Tuesday.Boasting the strongest field ever, this year's Salem Open features six players within the top 20 ranking and 11 players are number one ranked players in their countries, with a number of powerful players whom Hong Kong fans have not had the opportunity to see before. Currently ranked number one in the world, Gustavo Kuerten of Brazil and former world number one Marcelo Rios of Chile will be joined by two other leading Latin American players, Franco Squillari of Argentina and Nicolas Lapentti of Ecuador, all making their debut at the Salem Open. Also in the line-up is Australian Mark Philippoussis, who joins his compatriot, two-time U.S. Open champion and this year's Wimbledon finalist Patrick Rafter. Notable players from Europe include Britain's Tim Henman and Germany's number one player, Nicolas Kiefer. Hong Kong's favorite player and three-time Salem Open champion Michael Chang also announced his return to this premier Asian tennis event. Thirty-two players, including four qualifiers and three-wild card entrants, will compete in the Salem Open 2000. Four wild cards will be awarded into the qualifying matches. The tournament also includes a 16 pairs doubles competition. |
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