Zhuhai to host international women's tennis

Zhuhai will host an international tennis tournament for the next five years, starting in early November.

Co-organized by the Women's Tennis Association (WTA), Chinese Tennis Association and the municipal government of Zhuhai, the WTA Elite Trophy will take place from Nov 2-8.

The WTA Elite Trophy, a new singles and doubles tournament, will offer $2.15 million in prize money and initially run until 2019.

The 12-player singles field will comprise players ranked No 9 to No 19 in the world, together with one wildcard, and will be played in a four-group, round robin format, while six doubles teams will compete in a two-group, round robin format. The event champion will score 700 ranking points.

"Zhuhai has moved into high gear to keep on track the preparatory work for the event, which covers the construction of a state-of-the-art tennis facility, operation and promotion of the event, traffic arrangement, public security, medical service and recruitment of volunteers among many others," said Long Guangyan, vice-mayor of Zhuhai .

She said operation of the official website （www.wtaelitetrophy.com/）marked a milestone in the city's preparations.

"We will do our best to make the Elite Trophy a success, turn it into a popular event and make the experience good for players, fans and media," she said, adding that Zhuhai's proximity to Hong Kong, Macao and other Pearl River Delta cities will add to the event's appeal.

WTA chairman and CEO Stacey Allaster imagined the tournament to be "world-class players at a world-class facility in a world-class city".

She said the foresight of the Zhuhai government will help make it a success for players, the media and enthusiasts alike.

Speaking highly of the new facility, the ecology and location of Zhuhai, she said the event combining great players, a fantastic new stadium and the magnificent location of the host city, will prove a winning formula.

The venue under construction covers an area of 117,000 square meters. Its initial phase is set for completion by September.