Anna Kournikova Visits The National Tennis Centre

KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 29, 2009) – Sporting ambassador and Russian phenomenon Anna Kournikova wowed a group of Malaysian tennis junior players with her glamorous  presence at the National Tennis Centre, Jalan Duta, Kuala Lumpur on Monday.

The former world junior champion spent almost 30 minutes giving motivational tips and sharing her experience as a top star before a captive audience of 50-odd juniors mostly based in Klang Valley.

In welcoming one of the most recognizable faces in the celebrity world, the organisers had provided two tennis chairs but upon seeing the players were standing, Kournikova who cut a stunning figure in a green dress, chose to stand and interact freely with the group.

“The only way for you to succeed at top-level tennis is by embracing the sport as a way of life, remain focused and make a lot of sacrifices.

“I started playing tennis since the age of five as it was part of the culture in Russia to play and be active in sports from young.

“Before I reached my teens, I had uprooted myself and was enrolled in a tennis academy (Nick Bollettieri school in Florida). So it became a part of my daily routine.

“Tennis has given me my life and I’m giving back to tennis by lending my name and support to various causes worldwide,” said the 28-year old former World No 8.

Kournikova was in Kuala Lumpur on Monday as the event ambassador to The Showdown of Champions 2009, Asia versus Russia — The Glam Slam.

The Glam Slam is a two-day affair that will feature the Asian icons Sania Mirza and Zhang Jie together with World No 5 Elena Dementieva and Maria Kirilenko of Russia in a challenge match billed as Asia versus Russia. The matches will be held at the Malawati Stadium in Shah Alam on Dec 19-20.

Kournikova is widely credited with the rise of Russian tennis. For years it had been synonymous with Kournikova as the catalyst that brought back interest and glamour into the women’s game.

In 2002, only one Russian woman, and that was Kournikova, was ranked among the World’s Top-30 players. By 2004, they constituted half of the Top-10 and had captured the most prestigious events in the sport.

Almost seven years after hanging up her racket, Kournikova revealed she missed the action.

“Obviously, I miss the routine, the feeling and the excitement of playing. I’ve been playing for the past 23 years of my life and there are moments when I miss the whole atmosphere.

“But it’s a different life now and there’s so much out there for me to do and help contribute to society. I have reached a point where I can be very picky and choosy with what I want to do,” said Kournikova.

LTAM president Datuk Abdul Razak Latiff thanked Kournikova for taking time from the hectic schedule to interact with the players.

“Her presence is crucial in creating the awareness that tennis requires in order to appeal to the masses. LTAM remains committed to the cause of creating a tennis culture in Malaysia,” said Abdul Razak, adding that the series of exhibition matches and international tournaments have further spurred the interest of tennis in the country.

“Tennis equipment has seen an increase in sales while more people are renting courts. The interest is there and we’re happy to facilitate such events in the country. Professionals too are coming to enroll themselves in coaching courses so that they teach their kids on their own. The ultimate goal is to get more people to enjoy tennis.”

Also present were LTAM honorary secretary, Jaafar Abu, exco members Cheng Joo Chong, Francis Soo, Yazid Matori and Ibrahim Abu Bakar.

One of the nation’s top juniors, Jawairiah Noordin, was elated to meet Kournikova in the flesh.

“I think it was great to get the chance to meet a tennis player of her stature and pose questions,” said Jawairiah.

Kournikova was earlier unveiled as the event ambassador in the official launch of the Showdown of Champions 2009, Asia versus Russia – the Glam Slam at the Café Stelle by the Raffles, The Pavilion Kuala Lumpur.

The Showdown of Champions 2009’s official hotel is Royale Chulan. The sponsors are Yonex and Pavilion, Kuala Lumpur.

The event is supported by the Ministries of Tourism as well as Youth and Sports.   Tickets can be purchased online at www.tickethotline.com.my
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LD Sports is a leading sports event management company that successfully staged the Merdeka Tennis Festival in 2007 and the 2008 Showdown of Champions.

The Clash of Times and Clash of Titans in 2007 were part of Malaysia’s 50^th anniversary of Independence featuring Pete Sampras, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Richard Gasquet.

Federer made a return in 2008 for The Showdown of Champions showcasing four champions from two eras in one night. The Swiss ace was accompanied by James Blake and two legends, John McEnroe and Bjorn Borg to make the 2008 edition an unforgettable night for tennis. For more information, please visit www.showdownkl.com.

The event’s official sponsors are Royale Chulan, Yonex and Pavilion Kuala Lumpur and supported by the Ministries of Tourism and Youth and Sport.

For media queries, please contact:

Rizal Hashim +6012-234 4262 (rizal.hashim@yahoo.com)