Aug. 20, 2009

Toray Pan Pacific Open Tennis Tournament 2009
Greeting from JTA

Japan Tennis Association
Koji Watanabe, Executive Director

It seems Japanese tennis fans find more importance of tide of battle and player's technique, and do not discuss about prize money. In contrast, it is totally opposite sports of Golf. They find player's ranking by the prize money that the player receive. Recently, Japanese golf player Ai Miyazato won the tournament in France breaking out from slump, and she attracted attention in Japan. After that, she was in the spotlight at British Women's Golf.
As you may already know, from this year Toray PPO is upgraded from Tier I to Premier 5, and starts from Sunday, September 27 this time. Based on this upgrading, the Singles draw is increased from 28 to 56, as well as the prize money; from US$1.34 million to US$2 million. For reference, I would like to compare golf tournament and Toray PPO's status through prize money, for some tennis fans who may not have interest in the prize money.
As you may already know, from this year Toray PPO is upgraded from Tier I to Premier 5, and starts from Sunday, September 27 this time. Based on this upgrading, the Singles draw is increased from 28 to 56, as well as the prize money; from US$1.34 million to US$2 million. For reference, I would like to compare golf tournament and Toray PPO's status through prize money, for some tennis fans who may not have interest in the prize money.
"Prize money of the major British Women's Golf Tournament is US$220 million, approximately-same as Toray PPO, and the winner's prize money is US$235,000. The winner's prize money at 2009 Toray PPO is US$350,000, 80% increase over the previous year.
Though a major golf tournament ends in 4 days, player has to compete at 5 matches to get the victory from this year at Toray PPO due to increased draw size.
I think the prize money for the tennis tournament should be higher than a golf tournament, given the player's physical strength. The reality, though, prize money of the Japanese tennis tournament comes far short of the golf tournament. "
Nonetheless, Toray PPO's prize money amount is outstanding; comparably high as that of major golf tournament. In addition, winner's ranking point of the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour is almost doubled. Accordingly, there must be many top players who aim to get the victory or to get higher ranking point coming. We can hardly wait for the exciting matches.

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