Date:02/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/02/stories/2008030253402000.htm

Sport - Tennis

Draw at Raj Bhavan

BANGALORE: When the KSLTA conducted the Tier III event last year, the draw function was all pomp and show as the players drove up in vintage cars to the Vidhana Soudha for the function.

It is a little more subdued this time. With no popular elected Government in place, the venue of Sunday’s draw function for the Bangalore Open will be at the Raj Bhavan.

The Karnataka Governor, Rameshwar Thakur, will preside over the function which will be attended among others by the Tournament Director and KSLTA Secretary, C.S. Sunder Raju, and former Indian ace Vijay Amritraj.

Some of the leading stars of the Bangalore Open, including the Williams sisters — Venus and Serena — who are expected to fly into the city on Saturday midnight, are also likely to be present.

The KSLTA also plans to hold exhibition matches between stars of the Bangalore Open and cricketers Rahul Dravid and Test captain Anil Kumble.

The KSLTA has sent a formal invitation to both and awaits their confirmation. Meanwhile, the demand for tickets picked up with counters and online booking reporting brisk sales. — Special Correspondent