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Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open: event has come a long way, WTA’s Clare Wood says

Former British No 1 says she had seen improvements in organisation and facilities ‘as soon as she arrived’ to oversee event for second time.

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Clare Wood, Women’s Tennis Association supervisor, at the Hong Kong Open venue at Victoria Park. Photo: Hong Kong, China Tennis Association

Women’s tennis world governing body officials have nothing but praise for the Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open as the city embraces its second WTA 250 event in as many years.

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The nine-day tournament, which kicked off on Saturday with qualifiers and with main draw action to start on Monday, will crown a winner at Victoria Park Centre Court next Sunday.

Overseeing the Hong Kong tournament for the second time, Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) supervisor Clare Wood said she had spotted improvements as soon as she arrived.

“[Everything] is better laid out and arranged,” said Wood, who began playing professionally in 1984 before retiring in 1998. “They’ve improved the gym facility for the players, and they have done a much better player lounge and dining area.

Clare Wood says the Hong Kong Open is at the “top end’ of 250-level events she has seen around the world. Photo: Hong Kong, China Tennis Association
Clare Wood says the Hong Kong Open is at the “top end’ of 250-level events she has seen around the world. Photo: Hong Kong, China Tennis Association

“The public village and the VIP area also look a lot more premium and have better facilities.

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