BENGALURU: The Bengaluru Open will make a comeback to the annual tennis schedule, becoming one of the biggest ATP Challenger tournaments in Asia with organizers declaring the total prize money to be $150,000, Press Trust of India reports.
India is only the fourth country in Asia to host the highest category Challenger tournament, which offers 100 ranking points and a prize purse of $18,000 to the winner. China hosts three events of $150,000 (Anning, Ningbo and Jinan), Chinese Taipei two (Santaizi and Kaohsiung) while Korea (Busan) hosts one. Most of the USD 150,000 events are in the USA — Newport Beach, Indian Wells, Irving, Chicago, Houston and one is in Monterrey, in Mexico.
“Tourism Department has given Rs 7.5 million and Sports Department will be giving Rs 10 million. Remaining money will be raised through sponsorships,” Karnataka’s social welfare minister Priyank Kharge was quoted as saying to PTI.
Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA) will organize a national-level ranking tournament from October 22 to 27 and the winner will get a wild card entry into the Challenger, Kharge, who is also chairman of the organising committee said.
India’s Davis Cup Coach Zeeshan Ali said the event is a huge stepping stone for local players to improve their standings.
“With the Davis Cup also coming up against Italy in February and rankings being one of the criteria for selection, this tournament will be important,” Zeeshan said.
