Jauhari (centre) with the organiser at Alya WTA Malaysia Open 2017 press conference. Also seen are tournament director Keld Kristiansen (right). — Bernama photo
KUALA LUMPUR: Elina Svitolina will return to Malaysia to defend her title in the ALYA WTA Malaysia Open from Feb 27-March 5 at the TPC Kuala Lumpur.
Svitolina of Ukraine, who won the Taiwan Open on Sunday is eager to accomplish her mission and will give rivals a tough fight in the tournament.
“I’m glad to come back to Kuala Lumpur to compete in the ALYA WTA Malaysia Open. I won the title last year and looking foward to enjoy the same experience in Malaysia and defend my title.
“See you there,” said Svitolina via video message at the launch of Alya WTA Malaysia Open 2017 at International Gallery , TPC, Kuala Lumpur.
The 13th ranked player in the world is currently enjoying good form, having upset top ranked Angelique Kerber of Germany in the quarter-final of the recent Brisbane International 2017.
Other notable international players taking part in the tournament include Carla Suarez Navarro, Caroline Gracia, Wang Qiang, Sorana Cirstea, Peng Shuai and Hsieh Su-Wei.
Malaysian tennis fans will get to see one or two local players in the tournament via the wild card entry to be announced by the Lawn Tennis Association of Malaysia (LTAM).
Meanwhile, Sime Darby Property managing director Datuk Jauhari Hamidi said TPC Kuala Lumpur has become an iconic and premier destination for international sports and cultural events in the region.
“We look forward to welcome all the players and witness a week long tennis tournament packed with much entertainment and energy.”
He said TPC Kuala Lumpur is the perfect venue for such a prestigious international event and for the establishment of permanent tennis programmes.
“TPC Kuala Lumpur previously known as KLGCC. TPC means Tournament Players Club and is the club’s 34th and the only one outside the United States.
“What good things about TPC Kuala Lumpur, its par excellent with 33 TPC clubs located in United States,” said Jauhari. — Bernama