Zvonareva, Hantuchova to resume battle in Pattaya

World No 7 Zvonareva of Russia is top seed and will be chasing the first hat-trick of titles in the tournament’s 21year history, after her triumphs in 2009 and 2010.
Returning to defend her title will be Hantuchova of Slovakia, who halted Zvonareva’s 13game unbeaten streak in the semifinal last year before crushing Sara Errani of Italy in the final.
Fellow Slovakian Dominika Cibulkova, who finished 2011 with a flourish by winning in Moscow and climbing to No 18 in the rankings, will return to Pattaya for the first time since sickness forced her withdrawal a few years ago. Teen sensation Heather Watson from the UK will make her Thai debut, so fans get the chance to track a star that rose in 2011.
Russian beauty Maria Kirilenko, who also enjoyed success in 2011, climbing into the top 30, will be hoping to improve on her showing last year.
Tamarine Tanasugarn, a finalist here in 1996 and 2010, will lead the local challenge, while fellow Thai players wait on wild cards.
The tournament is also reaching out to the local community, with activities including a luncheon for deprived children on February 6, a beach reclamation campaign on February 8 and tennis clinics on February 12.
After two days of qualifiers, the tournament proper starts on February 7 at 3pm and runs daily until the finals on Sunday February 12. Tickets at Bt300, Bt500, Bt800 and Bt1,200 are available at www.PentanglePromotions.com and (02) 3113 4145 and at www.Thaiticketmajor.com and (02) 262 3456.