FEDERER, BORG AND MCENROE TO HEADLINE SHOWDOWN OF CHAMPIONS IN MALAYSIA
World number one Roger Federer and tennis legends Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe will headline the "Showdown of Champions Kuala Lumpur 2008", an extravaganza of challenge matches at the 12,000 seat Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur on November 18.
A fourth player, either newly crowned Wimbledon Champion Rafael Nadal or American ace James Blake will complete the cast at the star studded entertainment extravaganza. The decision as to who will play in Malaysia will hinge on the outcome of the Davis Cup semi-final battle between Spain and the US in Madrid on September 21st .
"If Spain loses, Rafa will travel to Kuala Lumpur after Shanghai and if the US go down, then James will make the trip here," explained Nick Freyer, Senior Vice-President, Head of Tennis – IMG Asia, at a Press Conference to officially launch the Showdown of Champions Kuala Lumpur 2008, at the "Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Kuala Lumpur."
The format of the event is especially interesting as it will culminate in a doubles showdown involving all four players. "The format of the event will see one set between Borg and McEnroe followed by one set between Federer and the fourth player. The final doubles set will pit Federer and Borg against McEnroe and the other star," Freyer said.
It is anticipated that fans from all around the region will make their way to Malaysia to catch these “Greats” in action. This comes in the wake of the highly successful matches here last year. This year however will be the first time such an array of tennis superstars, both past and present, will be taking part in such an event in this region.
Freyer also revealed today that Datin Paduka Seri Rosmah Mansor, the wife of Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, had agreed to be the Patron of the tournament. "We would like to officially record our thanks and gratitude to Datin Paduka Seri for her guidance," Freyer added.
This event has become a reality through the strong support of the Government, the event's Patron, the Ministry of Tourism and the Lawn Tennis Association of Malaysia. The event is promoted and organised by IMG and LD Sports Sdn Bhd.
Freyer went on to say that there will be an element of charity in this year's event where fans may bid on-line for a host of signed player items and experiences such as the on-court coin toss with the players for each of the three matches. "The players have their own charities and foundations which they will contribute to through the event. Datin Paduka Seri also announced a number of local charity organisations that will benefit from the hosting of this tournament."
The four charity organisations that the players will contribute to, through the event, are the Roger Federer Foundation and a charity of choice of Bjorn Borg, John McEnroe's Foundation and either the Rafael Nadal Foundation or James Blake’s Cancer Charity at Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, USA.
Meanwhile, the tickets for the event will be available at all Ticket Axcess outlets beginning from the July 23rd. Tickets are priced between Malaysian Ringgit Rm108 and Rm 498. As interest in this tournament will be very high, tennis fans are advised to make their purchases early to miss out on this event. The ticketing hotline is +603-7711 5000.
For further information, fans can log on to www.showdownkl2008.com
The organisers would like to thank the Government of Malaysia, particularly the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Youth and Sports Malaysia for their support in making the Showdown possible. We would also like to put on record our appreciation to Rolex and The Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur for their support and sponsorship of the event.
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