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| Monday, 20 October 2003 |
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Bumper entries for ITF Men's Futures in Colombo Sri Lanka's tennis followers are likely to see some action-packed tennis courtesy of future champions of world tennis when the SLTA stages two ITF (International Tennis Federation) men's futures tournaments. The two, back to back events under the ITF Grand Slam development fund are each worth US$ 10,000. They will run from October 20 through to November 2 at Green Path. The aim of the ITF Futures tournaments is to provide the opportunities for young professional players on the fringe to pick up ATP points and break into the big league. "The only way a player can compete in the big money professional tournaments is by picking up points and getting a decent ATP ranking. These two tournaments we are hosting is to foster the ambitions of those early in their professional career," said SLTA president Suresh Subramaniam, whose good offices with the ITF it was that secured Sri Lanka hosting rights of the Futures tournament for a second successive year. Indicative of Colombo's growing popularity as a venue for professional tournaments, this year's event has attracted a greater number of entries than last year. "Last year we had about 55, this year the number is closer to 70. Obviously, the talk around the professional circuit is that Colombo is a worthwhile place to play - and do some sightseeing as well," said Subramaniam. Japan's Tasuku Iwami is fancied to be accorded top seed status by virtue of his 293rd ATP ranking, the highest among the entries received. The next best is South Korean, Kim Young Joon, ranked 376th, followed by Czech Jaroslav Pospisil, 391st. India, with eight players, fielded the largest contingent, followed by Japan with five. Players from 15 countries including Great Britain, Sweden, Russia, Spain, France and Thailand, will be in the fray. Hosts Sri Lanka have the option of two wild card entries, which means two local players will figure in the main draw. The SLTA has decided to hand the wild cards to Renouk Wijemanne and Rajiv Rajapakse. |
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