Flash Entertainment, a leading events consultancy, in partnership with Capitala, a real estate master planner, has launched the second edition of Capitala World Tennis Championship to be held in Abu Dhabi.

Six of the top current professional tennis players will compete in the championship, which will be held at the Abu Dhabi International Tennis Complex at Zayed Sports City from December 31, 2009 to January 2, 2010, said a statement.

Following last year’s successful tournament, the event has attracted world number one Roger Federer and Spanish superstar Rafael Nadal, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Nikolay Davydenko, Fernando Verdasco and Robin Soderling completing a line-up of the world’s top tennis players, the statement said.

“I’m very much looking forward to coming back to Abu Dhabi for the Capitala World Tennis Championship,” said Roger Federer, who returns to the event for a second year running.

“Last year’s tournament was absolutely superb. The line-up this year is very strong once again and I am looking forward to playing in front of the Abu Dhabi crowds who really do get behind the players.  Abu Dhabi is a wonderful city and I think what it is doing to promote the game of tennis across the region is fantastic,” he added.

John Lickrish, managing director of Flash Entertainment, said: “We are delighted to announce the return of the Capitala World Tennis Championship to Abu Dhabi and with another line-up of top players we are sure that the event will again be hugely popular.”

“Securing the most coveted players in the world of tennis to compete in this year’s tournament is tantamount to the ambition of Flash to create an event calendar for Abu Dhabi that appeals across all nationalities and cultures residing in or visiting the capital and that is enviable the world-over.”

Heang Fine Wong, CEO of Capitala, added: “The Capitala World Tennis Championship was extremely successful last year and we are honoured to be the title sponsor again this year.  A number of initiatives and advancements at the grass roots level have been announced this year such as the Capitala Community Cup and the Capitala Tennis in Schools Programme.

“We are certain these programmes will further elevate the profile of tennis in the UAE amongst all age groups and communities. This is in line with our objective to encourage the wider community to live an active lifestyle and enjoy the health benefits of this fantastic game.”

In the run-up to the main tournament a number of community events will be held across the capital and neighbouring Emirates encouraging those of all ages, nationalities and abilities to get involved in the sport of tennis.

The Capitala Community Cup will see local tennis enthusiasts invited to take part in a number of community tournaments for their chance to win a spot at one of four exclusive tennis clinics with the star players at the event.

Children from the Capitala Tennis in Schools Programme, which aims to educate children on the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and promote the sport of tennis, will also be given the chance to participate in a skills competition on centre court during the Capitala World Tennis Championship for their chance to win exclusive signed player merchandise.

“Having the sport’s top men’s players on board is hugely exciting and we hope that with their support we can further encourage the local community to get involved in what truly is a fantastic sport,” Lickrish continued.

“We hope not only to encourage the people of Abu Dhabi to enjoy watching the professionals play but also to spur them on to take to the court themselves.”

Capitala World Tennis Championship will also feature a free tennis village which will include a range of activities including player signings and practice sessions, competitions and a Nintendo Wii wall, as well as live action on the big screens. – TradeArabia News Service