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September 2, 2009

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Home » Sports » Tennis

ATP Masters provides big chance for Chinese players

THE ATP Shanghai Masters 1000 organizers yesterday announced some of its wildcard entries for Asia's only Masters series tournament in October.

China's top-ranked male player Zeng Shaoxuan and Gong Maoxin have been granted singles wildcards while doubles wildcards have been given to Yu Xinyuan/Gao Wan and Li Zhe/Wang Yu.

Compared to their women counterparts like Zheng Jie, Li Na, and Peng Shuai, China's male players are still looking for an international breakthrough.

The best performance among the men has been in doubles when Yu paired with Zhu Benqiang to clinch third place at the 2003 Heineken Shanghai Open.

"Chinese tennis has better results in doubles thanks to the physical condition of the players," said Yu, who ranks 357th in ATP doubles. "We are more flexible, move quickly and proper training has enhanced our advantage."

Zeng, ranked 442, said he was honored to be given a chance to share the stage with some of the world's top players. The 28-year-old Jiangsu player lost to David Nalbandian of Argentina as a wildcard entry in the opening round of last year's Olympic Games in Beijing.

"It was the match (against Nalbandian) that helped me to know myself better and adjust my training program. Thanks to that, I improved and was able to clinch a few national championships in the past year and raise my world ranking."

The other two singles wildcards for the US$3.24 million tournament are yet to be named. "We plan to give the other vacancies to two well-known players who might not qualify via their ranking," said tournament director Sun Lei.

According to organizers, 56 singles players, including the world's top 45, will take part in the nine-day event, starting on October 10. In addition to the four wildcards, seven players will join the main draw after going through qualifying.

Three singles wildcards for the qualifiers have been given to China's Zhang Ze, Wu Di and Ma Yanan.




 

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