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September 25, 2006 sees the start of this year’s Thailand Open with some of the world’s top ranking players making their presence felt in this year’s tournament. Although world number one and current Thailand Open champion Roger Federer has pulled out, this year’s line up of international players is impressive. "It is the strongest field ever since the tournament started," explained Sathien Mongkoltham, an advisor to the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand (LTAT).
Confirmed players include Marcos Baghdatis from Cyprus, James Blake from the USA, Argentinean Guillermo Coria, Juan Carlos Ferrero from Spain, the UK’s Tim Henman, Lleyton Hewitt from Australia, Croatia’s Ivan Ljubicic, Andy Murray, also from the UK, Russian Marat Safin, and, of course, local hero Paradorn Srichaphan.
Around 150,000,000 Baht (around 4,000,000 dollars) has been ploughed into this event to ensure it delivers what the international audience expects and 550,000 dollars in prize money should help bring the best out of the players. This year’s open also includes an international food festival, Thai boxing exhibitions and host of other activities. With record crowds expected, organizers are erecting huge TV monitors to allow those without tickets to view proceedings.
The Thailand Open takes place at Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani (about 30-60 minutes north of Bangkok) from September 24, 2006 to October 1, 2006. Qualifying rounds take place Sunday September 24, 2006 and Monday September 25, 2006 and seats are priced at around 300 Baht. Tickets for the main event start at 500 Baht while quarter, semi and final tickets cost 1,000 and 1,500 Baht.
If you are into tennis and in town at the time of the event, don’t miss the Thailand Open 2006.
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