World No 5 David Ferrer books ticket for Hua Hin
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World No 5 David Ferrer is the latest marquee player to sign up for the traditional Hua Hin tennis exhibition at year-end.
The Spaniard, who has 21 ATP titles to his credit, is so far the highest-ranked player to join the tournament, which also includes world No 6 Milos Raonic of Canada and No 7 Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic.
“Fans will be even more thrilled when we announce the remaining players during [next month’s] press conference,” promised Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand (LTAT) president Suwat Liptapanlop.
Six players will be strutting their stuff by the beach in exhibition matches set for December 31 to January 4 at the popular seaside resort in Prachuap Khiri Kan. The top two seeds will receive first-round byes, while the rest play knock-out matches for places in the semi-finals.
The event is being held to replace the ATP Thailand Open, which was scrapped last year due to declining popularity and attendance.
Elsewhere, in New York, national No 1 and No 2 Luksika Kumkhum and Noppawan Lertcheewakarn are the only two Thai representatives vying for a place in this year’s US Open. In the opening round of qualifying, world No 97 and second seed Luksika is drawn to meet Japan’s Hiroko Kuwata, while No 220 Noppawan is to face Australia’s Ashleigh Barty.
