WTA Stars Get Their Feet Wet Ahead Of Bali’s Tournament of Champions

Sandy Pramuji | November 01, 2010
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, Yanina Wickmayer and Alisa Kleybanova, from left, hit the beach on Monday. (JG Photo/Jurnasyanto Sukarno) Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, Yanina Wickmayer and Alisa Kleybanova, from left, hit the beach on Monday. (JG Photo/Jurnasyanto Sukarno)

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Nusa Dua, Bali. Tourists travel to this island paradise determined to enjoy some fun in the sun on Bali’s famous beaches.

So before they hit the hard courts for a top-tier tournament, some of the biggest names in women’s tennis made sure to hit the waves first.

After a practice session on Monday morning, Yanina Wickmayer of Belgium and Russians Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Alisa Kleybanova grabbed their towels and hit the beach for a surfing lesson.

The three are competing in the Commonwealth Bank Tournament of Champions at the Bali International Convention Center beginning on Thursday.

Wickmayer, ranked No. 22 in the world, said she couldn’t resist the chance to pick up a board.

“Bali is world famous as a surfers’ paradise so I’m really excited to try it,” the Belgian said.

The lesson took place at Westin Beach and was led by John Deaker of the Rip Curl School of Surf.

Kleybanova said she was treating surfing as more than just a fun diversion.

“It’s my first time to do this, and it’s fun,” the world No. 27 said. “I’m not that bad in the water, though obviously I’m better on land.

“I think surfing can help me, especially in improving my sense of balance, and I want to do it again some other time.”

Pavlyuchenkova qualified for the Bali tournament for the first time by winning the Monterrey Open in March. The world No. 20 said she was already enjoying the experience.

“So far, so good for me. It’s been a great experience,” she said. “As far as the tournament is concerned, I’ll do my best.”

Wickmayer is returning to Bali for more than just the perks. She is determined to erase the memory of her appearance last year, when she was forced to withdraw following a dispute in her home country over anti-doping procedures.

“Let’s just wait and see what happens,” she said when asked about her chances this week.

The $600,000 tournament features an eight-strong field, including six of the top women’s players who won at least one title on the WTA Tour this season but failed to qualify for last week’s WTA Championships in Doha.

There are also two wild-card entries.

World No. 11 Li Na of China leads the field, which includes defending champion Aravane Rezai of France and Ana Ivanovic of Serbia. Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia and the veteran Kimiko Date-Krumm of Japan received wild cards.

The draw will be held today, and the first match is due to start on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. Bali time (4:30 p.m. in Jakarta).

http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/sports/wta-stars-get-their-feet-wet-ahead-of-balis-tournament-of-champions/404382