Al Habtoor Tennis Challenge sets ITF record – Tournament prize money upgraded to $100,000

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DUBAI, Aug 23: The Al Habtoor Tennis Challenge (AHTC), triggers this coming December for its 19th year. The tournament, which is part of the International Tennis Federation’s (ITF) Women’s Circuit, will take place at the Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection from Dec 10-17, 2016. Earlier this month, the Middle East’s first ladies’ tennis tournament revealed its new website www.habtoortennis.com.

Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, Al Habtoor Group Chairman and Founder of the AHTC said “This year we have raised the prize money to $100,000, including free accommodation offered to all main draw players. I am proud to say we are setting a worldwide record under the ITF as the highest ranked tournament in the world for 2016. I am passionate tennis player myself and in 1998 when I founded the Al Habtoor Tennis Challenge, I gave my personal pledge to support women’s tennis in the region and worldwide.”

A group of high-caliber players are expected to appear in this year’s tournament. In previous years, we have seen former world number one Jelena Jankoviç from Serbia and currently third ranked WTA Simona Halep from Romania compete for the ATHC title.

Former tournament winner and current Tournament Director, Kyra Nagy commented, “Last year, we had over 200 participants and this year we expect an equal or higher number of registrations. By upgrading the tournament to the highest category under the ITF ranking system, main draw players will receive a tax free on site prize money of $100,000 plus free accommodation in our five-star hotels. In addition, all players irrespective if they are main draw or qualifying players with their families and coaches will be offered complimentary lunches and dinners throughout their stay. We will also be offering special competitive hotel rates at the Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection for those who decide to conduct their pre-season warm-up preparation camp during the fortnight leading up to the tournament.”

The tournament draw and press conference are set to take place on Dec 11, 2016 at the Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection. For player registration inquiries, please contact [email protected].

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