Maria on Champions Women's Challenge 2005 in Hong Kong

Maria will headline a star-studded field for next year's Champions Women's Challenge in Hong Kong, organizers announced today.


Maria, World No. 7, is the top draw card for the exhibition tournament, scheduled for Jan. 5-8 at the Victoria Park Tennis court.


First time Maria played in Hong Kong was two years ago when her world ranking was 186th. She got defeated by Monica Seles in the semis. (6-3, 6-0)



"We are delighted Sharapova will be returning to Hong Kong," said Colvin Brown, president of the Hong Kong Tennis Patrons Association.


Some of the other players on the Champions Women's Challenge are: Four-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams of the United States, world no. 1 Amelie Mauresmo of France and last month's U.S. Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia.


Mauresmo will be making her Hong Kong debut along with Kuznetsova.