Aug. 20, 2009

Toray Pan Pacific Open Tennis Tournament 2009
Toray PPO 2009 Highlight

The largest and the only one [Premier 5] tournament in Japan
Toray PPO used to belong to the category of Tier I (above US $ 1,340,000 total prize money) of the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour until 2008. From 2009, Toray PPO belongs to upper grade of Premier 5, above US$2,000,000 prize money according to the Tour's restructuring and development.

 

56 Singles Main Draw. Will be much similar to the 2nd round and beyond of Grand Slam.
Main draw direct in is going to be 43 players starting from this year. World's top ranking will be playing and it's a "must see". Since Singles main draw will be 56 draw, to be the winner she must play 6 matches in 7 days (5 matches for 8 seeded players). Starting the first round on Sunday to the final on following Saturday will be extremely precious week and no less smart than Gland Slam.

 

World's top players will be here!
"Based on the Tour rule with regard to Top 10 List, which is determined right after the Championships of prior year, this time S. Williams, V. Williams, E. Dementieva, S. Kuznetsova, V. Zvonareva, A. Ivanovic, A. Radwanska, and M. Sharapova already made entries to the Toray PPO, a Premier 5 tournament. In addition, No.4 player J. Jankovic, No. 8 C. Wozniacki, and No.9 V. Azarenka also made their entry.

 

First time for Williams sisters to come to Japan together.
S. Williams won Grand Slam for 11 times and she is the active player on the list in Grand Slam. Following this, V. Williams is 7 times winner of Grand Slam. The world's strongest Williams sisters tennis is popular for their power and speed, however, as S. Williams said their strategy and technique are also amazing ability. Not only powerful offence ability but their return is attractive. Since Williams sisters made entry to Toray PPO, we can imagine the possibility of their Doubles! They won the Doubles at Australian Open and Wimbledon, and just keep going on. Currently number 1 doubles team, L Huber and C. Black also made entry so the world's best doubles play could happen.

 

Sharapova is back to Toray PPO in 2 years! Aspires full recovery aiming the 2nd title
Sharapova injured her shoulder last summer and she had no choice but to rest. When she came back to court, she reached to Quarter Final in Roland Garros. Her shoulder injury is concerned but she is a clutch player. Sharapova's challenge was decreasing of physical training and strengthen the new serve which does not strain her shoulder, however, it seems she is firmed up. Her resurgence as winner is also the highlight as the play is much good at hard court.

 

The potential player C. Wozniacki and V. Azarenka
"The 19years old player Wozniacki got 2 titles, and 20years old player Azarenka got 3 titles this year. Playing at number of tournaments, they both become good at tactics and now made into top 10. It is important for them to acquire more points to raise the seed possibility in next season.
The Japanese 19years old player Ayumi Morita will show her ability satisfactory at the matches in home ground. Wozniacki has been Morita's good rival. Morita will fully show her skill at the home country."

 

The big tournament in the latter-season. Don't miss the ranking contention.
"Big tournaments after US Open is this PPO, China Open, and Kremlin cup only. PPO is important for top players to obtain higher points to be qualified for the Championships, which result influences on the year end ranking. Fans should not miss this tournament to forecast the next season.
Of course the result at the PPO makes the difference of the year end ranking for all players. The players who desires great leap in next season will focus on the matches here."

 

3 Japanese players; Sugiyama, Morita and Date-Krumm will play in the MD
In addition to world top players, Japanese star players; Sugiyama, Morita, and Date-Krumm (after 13years absence from the PPO Main Draw) will participate. PPO is the first tournament in Japan for all the 3 players. Warm supports from tennis fans will encourage their performance. As Date-Krumm focuses on "new challenge to the world", and Morita makes efforts for further advancement, the matches against world top players will be the great opportunity.

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