Sport - Tennis

Amritraj and Devvarman get wildcards

Chennai: The IMG, in consultation with the AITA, has offered top-ranked Indian Somdev Devvarman (World No. 203) and No. 2 Prakash Amritraj (World No. 211), the first two wildcards for the $450,000 Chennai Open ATP tennis tournament, which will be held at the SDAT, Nungambakkam Stadium from January 5-11.

Czech Republic’s Lukas Dlouhy, ranked 185, will be the third wildcard entry.

The 23-year-old Devvarman is the reigning and two-time NCAA singles champion. He also won an event at Lexington.

The 25-year-old Dlouhy will be making his first appearance at the tournament, and will partner Leander Paes in the doubles event.

Confirming his participation, Amritraj said: “I am delighted to be given an opportunity, once again, to participate at Chennai Open 2009. I have always performed well at the tournament, and it is more of a home-coming of sorts. Undoubtedly, this year’s field is quite challenging and I am looking forward to giving my best playing alongside Davydenko, Wawrinka, Moya and the others. I hope to give my best performance.”

Devvarman expressed his excitement n the chance to play in Chennai for the first time. “I am happy and very excited to participate for the first time at the Chennai Open. I was hoping to participate this time,” he said. — Sports Reporter

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