Sharapova top attraction in China
BEIJING, China (Reuters) -- Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova and beaten finalist Serena Williams will play at the inaugural China Open in Beijing this September, organizers said on Tuesday.
Russian Sharapova and six-times grand slam champion Williams join a list of top male players at the event, including 2000 U.S. Open champion Marat Safin,.
China Open director Lincoln Venancio said the aim was to develop the event into one of the world's top five tennis tournaments.
It will be held on 15 hard courts at the capital city's new tennis centre.
State television giant CCTV plans to broadcast it to as many as 700 million people and it is expected to reach the largest domestic audience for any tennis event.
Up to 600,000 people are expected to attend the September 10-26 tournament, which includes men's, women's, juniors' and seniors' brackets, organizers said.
