Kuznetsova not to defend Bali title

Arya Abhiseka, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Three players in the world's top 20 will feature in the 2003 Wismilak International tennis tournament but the competition will be missing last year's champion, Svetlana Kuznetsova.

The tier III tournament, which offers a total of US$225,000 in cash prizes, will be held at the Grand Hyatt tennis court in Nusa Dua, Bali, from Sept. 6 to Sept. 14.

Chanda Rubin (8th) of the United States, Conchita Martinez (14th) of Spain and Elena Dementieva (17th) of Russia are on the top of the 21-strong direct-in list, including 2001 champion Angelique "Angie" Widjaja of Indonesia.

However, Russia's Kuznetsova, currently ranked 29th, is not on the list, with the organizers deploring the absence.

Tournament director, Kevin Livesey, told reporters during a media conference here on Monday that the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) should make it mandatory for the reigning champion to defend her title.

"I am disappointed with her absence this year. She displayed a marvelous achievement by beating Conchita Martinez last year. But I will speak to the WTA that defending champions should defend their titles," he said but did not elaborate on the reason for Kuznetsova's absence.

Despite Kuznetsova's decision to stay away, tennis fans can expect entertaining competition as the Wismilak tournament will be enlivened by prominent names from international women's tennis.

"We would like to say that this year's draw is the most exciting in the history of the Wismilak International," said Livesey.

Kuznetsova's countrywoman Anna Kournikova will come to Bali, according to Livesey, although she canceled her participation in two tournaments recently due to injuries.

"We have spoken with her agent and she still does not have any plans to withdraw from the Wismilak International," Livesey said.

Kournikova, whose ranking has dropped to 76, is not in the main draw but she is one of the three candidates who are likely to be awarded wild cards.

Indonesian Wynne Prakusya is also a likely wild card recipient. The organizers will announce their decision within the next three weeks.

Livesey also said that some facilities had been upgraded and security would be the top priority.

"We have increased the number of seats on the main court, improved training facilities for players. and will tighten security at the venue and in its vicinity. We expect people to enjoy a world class tennis tournament in Bali, besides the island itself," he said.