Singapore to be first Asian host of WTA year-end championships

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) is to host its year-end WTA Championships in Singapore from 17th to 26th October, marking the first time in the event's 44-year history that an Asian city will host the prestigious tournament.

Unveiling new elements of the WTA Championships at a recent press conference in Singapore, WTA Chairman and Chief Executive Stacey Allaster explained "we are excited to announce new elements of the WTA Championships that will engage the fans of women's tennis with the WTA stars and turn our year-end event into a premier sports entertainment property.

"The WTA is committed to the long-term development of the sports community in Singapore and through numerous programs we've put in place, we look forward to growing our fan base and empowering the people of the region through sports."

Andrew Georgiou, Chief Executive of event organiser World Sport Group added "Asia continues to grow as a destination for global sports properties, with Singapore an important hub given its world class infrastructure and ability to host and execute to the highest level.

"The investment in the Singapore Sports Hub creates an opportunity not only to host global events such as this, but to do so in a way that offers an engaging experience for corporates, but also visitors as well as Singaporeans of all backgrounds. The WTA Championships Singapore will have something for everyone."

The WTA Championships will be expanded into a 10-day sports entertainment event of competition, exhibitions and activities for the fans of women's tennis in Singapore and around the world. There will be seven days of competition starting in 2014, expanded from six in previous years, with eight days of competition in 2015 and further expansion in subsequent years.

In addition, the doubles competition will be expanded to eight teams while a new WTA Rising Stars Exhibition will take place during the opening Fan Festival weekend.

The invitational event will feature the WTA's up-and-coming talent from the Asian region and around the world with the WTA's Rising Stars set to compete in matches, attend and participate in the official draw ceremony, pro-ams, kids' clinics, and engage in charitable and community outreach, in addition to other professional development training.

A new WTA Legends Exhibition will welcome some of the greats of the game back on the court with WTA Legends invited to attend the WTA Championships and participate in exhibition matches, and support corporate and community programs.

The WTA has also opened an office in Singapore and once completed, will be part of the Singapore Sports Hub, the home of the WTA Championships.

For more information go to www.wtatennis.com/

23rd August 2013 - WSG APPOINTS SARAH CLEMENTS AS DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, WTA CHAMPIONSHIPS SINGAPORE