Thai fans will finally get to witness in person, tennis superstar Rafael Nadal when he competes in the PTT Thailand Open 2009. Joining Nadal in the event which will be held at Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani from 26 September to 4 October are defending champion Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and crowd favourite Marat Safin.

Nadal is a six-time Grand Slam champion and reigning Australian Open champion. Over the last five years he has set the tennis world on fire with his powerful play and never-say-die attitude. When asked about his first visit to the PTT Thailand Open, Nadal said, “I look forward to playing some great tennis."

Fighting Nadal for the King’s Cup trophy will be world #8 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. Tsonga made his ATP World Tour breakthrough at the tournament last year and was a huge hit with the fans. His exciting style and friendly personality added tremendous excitement to the tournament and Tsonga endeared himself to Thai fans by stepping into the boxing ring with Somluck Khamsing and showing his muay thai skills to the local fans.

Also confirming his return to the tournament is the charismatic Russian Marat Safin. Safin has announced that this 2009 will be his final year on the ATP World Tour so this will be Thai fans last chance to say goodbye to the popular player. Safin has twice reached the semi-finals in Bangkok and will be determined to make his last appearance at the tournament a memorable one.

“More marquee players will be announced in the lead up to the tournament,” said Mr. Suwat Lipatapanlop,President of the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand, under the patronage of His Majesty the King.

As title sponsor of the tournament in 2009, PTT Company Ltd. is planning a number of major activities before and during the event.

These activities include promotions through its gas stations for PTT customers, as well as a racquet donation programme for underprivileged children, free tickets for Thai handicap athletes and special tennis clinics for Thai junior tennis fans.

BEC-Tero Entertainment Public Co. Ltd. is once again proud to organise the biggest annual sporting event in Thailand; the premier ATP Tour event in Southeast Asia

Tickets for the PTT Thailand Open again start at just Bt300 and are available at all Thaiticketmajor outlets from Saturday July 18. Call 02 262 3456 or log on to www.pttthailandopen.org or www.thaiticketmajor.com for more details.

Public Relations Department
BEC-Tero Entertainment Public Company Limited

Atita C. Ducci (Art) atita@bectero.com
Anongsiri Udomsuk (Juey) anongsiri_pr@bectero.com 089-927-6169
Mullika Thongnuasuk (Aor) mullika@bectero.com 089-777-8777
Arisara Wongjinda (Kluay) arisara@bectero.com 089-980-6488
Tel. 02-262-3800 ext. 2815, 2816 Fax 02-262-3921

PTT Thailand Open Details

Format     : Best of 3 tie-break sets
Venue      : Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani
Date        : 26 September – 4 October
Qualifying rounds : 26 – 27 September
Main draw           : 28 September – 4 October
Prize money        : US$608,500

Prize money and points breakdown

PTT Thailand Open 2009 Press Conference (30/04/09)