Berdych, Raonic to boost Hua Hin's appeal
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Six tennis stars, led by Tomas Berdych and Milos Raonic, will promote Hua Hin as a tourist destination when the World Tennis Thailand Championship takes place in the beach city from December 31 to January 2.
Berdych, the world No 7 from the Czech Republic, and Raonic, the world No 8 from Canada, along with world No 10 David Ferrer, No 19 John Isner of the United States, No 20 Fabio Fognini and No 26 Richard Gasquet have committed to play in the US$100,000 exhibition event at the city’s Centennial Park.
Apart from the event, which is competed under a knock-out format, the six players will participate in promotional programmes to boost the image of the resort city.
All are due to arrive in Thailand on December 30 and head to a press conference at the Vana Nava Hua Hin Water Jungle before attending a welcome party at the Intercontinental Hotel the same day.
They will stop by at the Baan Khao Tao handicraft royal project and Hua Hin Artist Village on New Year’s Eve and watch a firework display during the countdown party on the beach.
January 1 will see players offering alms to monks on the beach, visiting Hua Hin Hill Vineyard and the Dog Care Centre, while the next day is set for a sightseeing trip on bikes that will end at Hua Hin Railway Station.
Meanwhile, Thai Davis Cup players Pruchya Isarow and Warit Sornbutnark will get an opportunity to play with the stars in the exhibition, which will serve as a tune up for the Davis Cup tie against South Korea in March.
The Hua Hin event will be televised live on True 2, True HD670 and Digital TV Channel 24. Tickets priced from Bt1,500 to Bt6,000 can be purchased at Thai Ticket Major, Siam Continental Hua Hin Hotel and all Major Cineplex branches.
