Elena Dementieva
Dementieva, the 2008 Beijing Olympics gold medallist is set to join other aces including Li Na, Sabine Liscki, Jie Zheng, Melinda Czink, Magdalena Rybarikova, Jelana Dokic, Sania Mirza, Kimiko Date Krumm and Tamarine Tanasugarn.
National player Jawariah Nordin has been awarded a wild card entry in the 32-player main draw which offers a purse of US$220,000 (RM748,000).
Dementieva, through a prerecorded interview, said she was eager to return to Kuala Lumpur after having featured in last December's Showdown of Champions billed as "Asia versus Russia".
“I’m trying to win against all my opponents and this will be an important tournament for me to help me improve my game and confidence,” said Dementieva.
“Well, I think it’s going to be an interesting challenge…a tough event but good matches against top players in the world.”
When asked of her proudest moment, Dementieva was quick to highlight her Olympics gold medal effort.
“Winning the gold medal (Olympics), that is the proudest moment in my life. There’s nothing like it and the gold medal made me a complete and a very happy person.”
Sports Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek, meanwhile, expressed his utmost support for the event.
“I’m ecstatic with the lineup. It exceeds any WTA level tournament in this region. It is through such events that our sports industry will continue to strive,” said Ahmad Shabery, who named the players at a leading hotel in Bandar Utama this morning.
Also present at the press conference were National Sports Council director general Datuk Zolkples Embong, Lawn Tennis Association of Malaysia (LTAM) president Datuk Abdul Razak Latiff and board of director for WTA tour Kevin Livesey.
Tickets for the Malaysia Open are priced between RM13 to RM108 and can be purchased online at www.ticketpro.com.my or at the venue. The event is supported by the Sports Ministry and sanctioned by LTAM.
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