Chennai seems to be the go-to destination when it comes to hosting big events. Just weeks after the city plays host to the chess Olympiad, it will gear up for its maiden WTA 250 event.
The tournament, with a total prize money of $250,000, will be held from September 10 to 18 at the SDAT stadium in Nungambakkam. The qualifying rounds are scheduled for September 10 and 11 while the main draw commences from September 12.
The tournament will have a draw of 32 for the singles with 24 direct entries, four wild-cards and four qualifiers. The event will have 24 entries in qualifying and 16 entries in the doubles section.
“A WTA tournament is returning to India for the first time since 2008, and Chennai has the privilege to host the first WTA 250 event. The players who are expected to feature in the event would be amongst the top-100 in the world,” said Vijay Amritraj, president of Tamil Nadu Tennis Association (TNTA), during the official announcement here on Thursday. The Tamil Nadu government will be the lead sponsor of the event.
On the support offered by the state government, Amritraj said, “It (the government) is providing strong commitment towards sports and encouraging the youth in the state to take up a sport and succeed in it. We are greatly indebted to the Chief Minister MK Stalin and the officials for their unending support.”
With regards to the stadium, Amritraj mentioned, “It is no doubt a world-class one and I am confident that the government, SDAT will ensure it is equipped with the best possible facilities and latest technology which is essential for the successful conduct of the tournament.”
