SHAH ALAM: Russians Elena Dementieva and Maria Kirilenko, representing Europe in the Showdown of Champions, were in a class of their own when they completed a 3-0 victory over Asia’’s Sania Mirza and Zheng Jie at the Malawati Stadium here last night.

After winning the doubles match yesterday, Kirilenko made it 2-0 when she beat China’’s Zheng Jie 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 to give Europe an unassailable 2-0 lead before Dementieva came on court to put the icing on the cake with a 6-4, 7-6 (7-0) victory over Mirza.

Despite being an exhibition match, the Russians, especially Dementieva was in no mode for charity as she continued to pound her opponent (Mirza from India)despite having already clinched the overall victory.

The Showdown of Champions was the third organised in the country with the first two featuring current world number one Roger Federer, world number two Rafeal Nadal, former world number one Pete Sampras plus tennis legends John McEnroe and Bjorn Borg.
–BERNAMA

[NST Online]

Despite being currently ranked No. 5 and having had a career high ranking at No. 3 in April this year, the 28-year-old featured in only two Grand Slam finals – the French Open and the US Open in 2004.

We love the camera: Zheng Jie (left) and Maria Kirilenko posing after their Showdown of Champions exhibition match yesterday. Kirilenko won 6-3, 4-6, 6-4.

“Winning a Grand Slam title is the biggest focus for me next year.

“I have been in the finals twice and would like to win one next year,” said Dementieva, who is in Kuala Lumpur for the Showdown of Champions KL 2009 with compatriot Maria Kirilenko (world No. 62), Zheng Jie (world No. 35) of China and India’s Sania Mirza (world No. 57).

In the 2004 French Open, hard-hitting Dementieva was denied the title by compatriot Anastasia Myskina while in the US Open, she lost to another Russian, Svetlana Kuznetsova in straight sets.

“But of course my main goal is to stay injury free for the whole year so that I can play to my full potential,” she said.

Last year saw Dementieva bagged the Beijing Olympic gold medal in the singles event after defeating compatriot Dinara Safina.

Although longing for a Grand Slam title, Dementieva said she would not trade her gold medal for it.

“It was definitely one of the proudest moments in my life to win the gold medal in the Olympics. Winning the gold medal for your country is a magnificent feeling that is different from winning any other tournaments,” she said.

In yesterday’s exhibition match – dubbed Asia versus Russia – it was a score for Russia as both Kirilenko and Dementieva triumphed over their respective opponents Zheng Jie and Sania.

Kirilenko overcame a challenge from Zheng Jie to emerge victorious 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 while in another match, Dementieva was forced to slog before getting the better of Sania in the tie breaker 6-4, 6-6 (7-0).

Dementieva, the world number five, and her partner Kirilenko (world number 62) both from Russia overcame Asian representatives Zheng Jie from China and Mirza from India 2-1 in a pulsating match that was decided by a tie-break.

Though the Russian duo took the first set 6-4, largely due to numerous mistakes by Zheng early in the match, the Asian duo fought back superbly to draw level with a 7-5 win in the second set.

The Russians however, turned on their power to walk away with a 10-8 victory in the deciding tie-break.

Tomorrow, Dementieva will take on Sania in a singles match while Kirilenko is slated to face Zheng in another tie.

–BERNAMA

Dubbed as Asia versus Russia, the tournament will be the first all-women tennis exhibition match to be played in the country.

In the doubles match today, world No. 35 Zheng Jie of China and world No. 57 Sania Mirza of India will combine to take on Russians Dementieva (world No. 5) and Maria Kirilenko (world No. 62).

Tomorrow, Zheng Jie will face Kirilenko while Dementieva will meet Sania in the singles matches.

Star attractions: From left, Sania Mirza (India), Maria Kirilenko (Russia), Zheng Jie (China) and Elena Dementieva (Russia) during a photocall in Kuala Lumpur Friday.

“It’s a great feeling to play in an exhibition match like this and I hope it can pave the way to a good start for next year,” said Dementieva.

Except for Sania, all three players are here for the first time and are already keen on visiting the many interesting places in Malaysia.

Sania, who is a frequent visitor to Malaysia, especially Penang, said she was treating the tournament as a warm-up for her quest to win more Grand Slam titles next year.

She won her first Grand Slam title this year with Mahesh Bhuphati in the mixed doubles event of Australian Open.

Her best effort in the singles event of a Grand Slam was a fourth round appearance in the US Open in 2005.

“I will try to win more titles next year, regardless of whether it’s mixed doubles or singles. But definitely I want to win the singles titles … so I aim to do better in that event next year,” said Sania.

GET EXCLUSIVE AUTOGRAPHS AND CATCH THE STARS UP, CLOSE AND PERSONAL IN THE MEET-THE-FAN SESSION AT THE PAVILION KUALA LUMPUR.

TIME: 2.30pm-3.30pm

DATE: Dec 18, 2009.

VENUE : The Pavilion Kuala Lumpur

Day One

Day Two

吉隆坡，马来西亚，2009年12月8日——2009年冠军表演赛（Showdown of Champions 2009）迎来制胜的伙伴关系。社区航空飞萤航空宣布成为其白金伙伴。这个策略联盟，让飞萤航空有权采用德门蒂耶娃（Elena Dementiva）、玛丽娅基里连科（Maria Kirilenko）郑洁和米尔扎（Sania Mirza）等4位国际网球选手的特定Glam Slam肖像和Glam Slam品牌图像，为期一年。 这权利也适用于飞萤航空的母公司，马航及其子公司马航飛翼(MASwings)。在2009年冠军表演赛官方酒店Royale Chulan Kuala Lumpur举办的简报会上，也宣布一项别开生面的选拔活动，目标是要选出两位马来西亚女士，出任“接待大使”，在吉隆坡举行表演赛期间一连四天全程陪伴其中两位球艺高超且魅力过人的网球明星。
冠军表演赛主办单位LD Sports有限公司副主席阿德林扎比利（Adlin Zabri）表示：“LD Sports很兴奋能够看到飞萤航空成为今年冠军表演赛的白金合作伙伴。 他们的区域和国际网络再加上马航和马航飛翼的支援，对于处理预计将会在冠军表演赛期间大量增加的游客流量，胜任有余。 其21个票务办事处正在积极推动此项活动，飞萤航空的实力也为我们提供了理想的营销平台，以便让更多人认识这项活动。”
他进一步补充说，这是主办此项网球大赛三年以来，首次与航空公司携手合作。飞萤航空投入可观的赞助资金，显示这球赛已经成为马来西亚一个广受大众欢迎的活动。
飞萤有限公司市场及传讯主管Ms Angelina Fernandez表示，透过与LD Sports在2009年冠军表演赛中携手合作，我们的品牌将继续秉承其对客户的承诺，进一步拉近大马人以及来访游客之间的距离。
她补充说： “飞萤航空在全马以及印尼，泰国和新加坡等地机场的点到点服务，增加了到大马访客的数目。结合飞萤航空，马航和马航飛翼的网络，这个伙伴关系为本国带来更多访客。飞萤航空将于明日在网上推出Glam Slam 配套。”
飞萤航空的赞助包括马航和飞萤机票，以及飞萤配套。
被喻为亚洲与俄罗斯之争的这场表演赛，定于12月19日和20日进行。当天球迷们不但可以看到四位女球星在球场内展现她们精湛的球技，同时也可以在球场内外见识到她们非凡的时尚品味。 这场比赛之所以被冠以Glam Slam的美名，主要是为了称颂球员的时尚触觉和品味，球员们将会在莎阿南梅拉华蒂体育馆（Stadium Malawati）展开一场龙争虎斗，在单打和双打比赛中一争高下。 2009年冠军表演赛获得旅游部、青年与体育部以及马来西亚网球协会（LTAM）的大力支持。
“网球已经和时尚结下不解之缘。 我相信没有几种运动像网球一样，与时尚有着如此密不可分的关系。随着网球明星越来越具有社交名流的身影，网球与时尚之间的关系在最近几年已经变得越来越密切了。”阿德林在“找寻Glam Slam终极女联络人”活动的推介礼上宣布如此表示。 该活动将选出两位接待大使，分别由LD Sports有限公司和飞萤赞助。
在分享这项活动的细节时，他表示：“LD Sports将送出Royale Chulan酒店3晚单人住宿配套和RM1,000消费津贴给LD Sports接待大使优胜者。这完全是一张赋予您特殊权力的外卡（wildcard），也是一个千载难逢的机会，马来西亚其中一位年龄在18岁以上的幸运女士将可成为四位网球选手之一的联络人。这位幸运的大马同胞将会与两位名人和一位飞萤团队成员一起工作——这样一来，冠军表演赛就会有马来西亚本身的Glam Slam四剑客了！”
“这位被选出的女士将会担任联络人的角色，负责联系工作，并且在球星抵步到离境期间陪伴她们出席每一场公开活动。 我们正在物色一名口齿伶俐，信心十足和表达能力强的女士。 为了让活动更添色彩。由于这名女士将会担任代表我国的国家大使，因此她必须对我国的文化、习俗和大马各种旅游特色有深入的了解，这是很重要的。
参加方法很简单。 有兴趣的参与者可在本周五12月11日晚上6时30分至晚上8时之间，穿上别致时尚或创意非凡的网球服和高跟鞋，到吉隆坡Pavilion三楼Connection Precinct参加选拔赛。 主办单位将会根据这四位网球明星时尚品味作为评选参考！ 只要让其中一位冠军表演赛的制服人员相中，并回答一些简单的问题，您就有机会成为幸运儿！ 名誉与荣耀正在等待幸运的接待大使！

飞萤则会通过Facebook 在网上进行物色飞萤接待大使。
Angelina 强调：“我们的乘客印证我们的表现。通过提供是次参与活动，我们不当让乘客有机会接待这些亮眼的网球明星，而她们本身更有机会成为瞩目明星，同时获得飞萤送出的丰富奖品。这活动供我们的乘客参与，将于明天开始在网上进行。
无论通过何种途径，获选的接待大使将同样享有名气和荣耀。
阿德林呼吁球迷和时尚爱好者们提早预订冠军表演赛的门票，以免向隅。 Glam Slam入场券可透过www.tickethotline.com.my购买，球场侧座票价从RM48至RM208。
欲知更多有关竞赛和Glam Slam的详情，请今天即浏览http://showdownkl.com。

—完—
关于LD Sports私人有限公司
LD Sports 是成立于1997年的著名活动主办机构。曾举办比赛盛事与颇受好评的2008年冠军表演赛，以及2007年的 Clash of Times/the Titans，受邀球星包括 Roger Federer、Rafael Nadal、 John McEnroe 与 Bjorn Borg 等。LD Sports 也于2009年中以联办方式，成功筹办《宝莱坞商人》音乐剧的演出。

关于飞萤私人有限公司
飞萤航空，您的社区航空公司是在2007年4月3日正式推介，在马来西亚航空有限公司的全资子公司飞萤私人有限公司旗下运作。取名飞萤，以其代表公司灵活， 聪敏，吸引和令人愉悦的特质。
欲知更多详情，请浏览 http://www.fireflyz.com.my/about/company-profile
有关飞萤的媒体查询，请联络:
Raja Saadi Raja Amrin, 公关经理
012 2260048 or rajasaadi.rajaamrin@malaysiaairlines.com

其他媒体垂询，请联系：

Suchithra Krishnan
G2 Public Relations
T: 03- 2178 0054
Suchithra.Krishnan@g2.com

Devakhi Nathan
G2 Public Relations
T: 03 – 2178 0060
Devakhi.Nathan@g2.com

白金合作伙伴:

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, 8 Disember, 2009 – Showdown of Champions 2009 melakar perkongsian kemenangan dengan Firefly apabila ia mengalu-alukan syarikat penerbangan komuniti itu sebagai Rakan Platinumnya. Melalui pakatan strategik ini, Firefly akan mempunyai hak untuk menggunakan gambar-gambar terpilih dan penjenamaan Glam Slam bersama-sama empat pemain tenis antarabangsa ini, iaitu Elena Dementiva, Maria Kirilenko, Zheng Jie dan Sania Mirza, selama satu tahun.  Ini akan diperluaskan kepada syarikat induk Firefly, Malaysia Airlines dan subsidiarinya MASwings. Berlangsung di hotel Royale Chulan Kuala Lumpur, hotel penginapan rasmi, majlis taklimat tersebut juga menyaksikan pelancaran carian dua ‘Pegawai Perhubungan”, iaitu dua orang  caperon wantia  tempatan , yang bakal  menghabiskan empat hari mendampingi dua daripada bintang-bintang tenis yang trampil dan glamor tersebut sepanjang  acara pertunjukan mereka di Kuala Lumpur.

“LD Sports teruja kerana mendapat Firefly sebagai Rakan Platinum Showdown. Rangkaian serantau dan antarabangsa, ditambah pula dengan sokongan MAS dan MASwings, amat sesuai untuk menampung jangkaan pertambahan aliran pelancong yang datang untuk acara Showdown itu. Dengan 21 pejabat tiket mempromosi acara ini, kehadiran meluas Firefly dan MAS juga menjadi sebagai platform pemasaran yang amat tepat untuk kami meningkatkan lagi kesedaran,” kata En. Adlin Zabri, Timbalan Pengerusi LD Sports Sdn.Bhd., penganjur Showdown of Champions.

Kata beliau lagi, sebenarnya sepanjang tiga tahun menganjurkan ekstravaganza tenis ini adalah kali pertama acara  Showdown mengadakan usahasama dengan syarikat penerbangan. Penajaan oleh Firefly bernilai RM500,000 ini menunjukkan betapa semakin popularnya acara Glam Slam di Malaysia.

Cik Angelina Fernandez, Ketua Pemasaran & Komunikasi Firefly berkata, dengan menjalin usahasama dengan LD Sports untuk Showdown of Champions 2009, jenama ini tetap setia dengan komitmen merapatkan komuniti bukan sahaja  untuk rakyat Malaysia tetapi juga untuk pengunjung luar.

Katanya lagi, “Liputan meluas Firefly di lapangan terbang seluruh Malaysia,  Indonesia, Thailand dan Singapura telah meningkatkan bilangan pengunjung ke Malaysia. Menerusi gabungan rangkaian yang ditawarkan oleh Firefly, Malaysia Airlines dan MASwings, perkongsian ini  sekarang akan menarik  lebih ramai pengunjung ke negara kita. Firefly akan melancarkan pakej Grand Slam melalui internet pada esok hari.”

Penajaan Firefly merangkumi  tiket Malaysia Airlines dan Firefly serta pakej Firefly.

Diberi jolokan Asia lwn Russia, perlawanan pertunjukan ini dijadualkan berlangsung pada 19hb dan 20hb Disember dan akan menyaksikan wanita empat serangkai itu mempamerkan ketrampilan dan selera fesyen, baik dalam mahupun luar gelanggang.  Tepat digelar Glam Slam yang meraikan selera fesyen para pemain itu, mereka akan beradu kehandalan dalam perlawanan bergu dan perseorangan di Stadium Malawati, Shah Alam. Showdown of Champions 2009 disokong oleh Kementerian Pelancongan, Belia dan Sukan, dan Persatuan Lawn Tennis Malaysia (LTAM).

“Tenis telah bertemu jodoh dengan fesyen. Saya percaya tidak banyak sukan yang terjalin erat dengan tenis seperti tenis – suatu ikatan yang sejak beberapa tahun kebelakangan ini lebih disengajakan apabila bintang tenis turut menjadi sosialita,” kata Adlin ketika mengumumkan pelancaran Glam Slam dalam usaha mencari dua orang Pegawai Perhubungan wanita, masing-masingnya akan ditaja oleh LD Sports dan Firefly

Ketika membentangkan butir-butir pencarian itu, beliau berkata, ”Kepada pemenang usaha pencarian Pegawai Perhubungan LD ini,  LD Sports akan menghadiahkan penginapan tiga malam di bilik bujang Hotel Royale Chulan dan wang perbelanjaan RM1,000. Ini adalah peluang sekali seumur hidupi seorang wanita Malaysia yang bertuah, berumur 18 tahun ke atas terpilih menjadi caperon kepada seorang daripada empat pemain tenis itu. Sebagai penambah glamor, wanita bertuah Malaysia kita itu akan dibantu oleh dua orang selebriti dan seorang pemenang Pegawai Perhubungan Firefly –  acara Showdown bakal mempunyai empat serangkai Glam Slam anak tempatan Malaysia! “

“Peranan sebagai Pegawai Perhubungan akan memerlukan mereka menjadi sebagai  orang perantaraan dan mengiringi bintang tersebut dalam setiap sesi khlalayak ramai dari saat mereka tiba sehinggalah  mereka berangkat pulang. Tugas ini amat sesuai bagi wanita yang pandai bercakap, yakin dan  jelas tutur katanya. Pegawai Perhubungan ini juga akan menjadi duta negara kita, oleh itu calon kita perlu arif dengan budaya, adat resam tempatan dan pelbagai tawaran Malaysia sebagai destinasi pelancong,” jelas beliau.

Cara penyertaan amatlah mudah. Calon-calon yang berminat diminta datang ke Aras 3, Connection Precinct, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur hari Jumaat ini, 11 Disember antara 6.30ptg – 8mlm dengan berpakaian dan berkasut tenis yang anggun, menawan atau kreatif. Pihak penganjur berhasrat untuk tetap setia kepada  pernyataan fesyen yang sering dilontarkan oleh empat bintang tenis itu sendiri! Bersedialah untuk ditemui salah seorang kru berpakaian seragam Showdown of Champions, jawab beberapa soalan mudah dan berpeluang menjadi Pegawai Perhubungan yang dicari-cari itu!.

Firefly pula akan melancarkan usaha pencarian ‘Pegawai Perhubungan Firefly’ sendiri menerusi media internet, iaitu melalui halaman Facebook-nya.

Angelina menegaskan bahawa, “Para penunpang kami adalah trofi kami. Peluang penyertaan akan dikongsi dengan para penumpang kami dan usaha pencarian kami berniula di internet pada hari esok. Inilah peluang untiuk penumpang kami bukan sahaja menikmati pengalaman mendampingi bintang-bintang tenis ini, tetapi juga menjadi BINTANG sendiri, sambil menikmati segala pemberian menarik daripada Firefly. Kami amat teruja atas peluang yang diberi kepada penumpang kami.”

Apapun, kemasyhuran dan glamor pasti menanti para pemenang bertuah!

Adlin menggesa para pemenang dan pencinta fesyen supaya menempah tiket mereka ke Showdown awal-awal  supaya tidak kecewa. Tiket Glam Slam boleh dibeli menerusi www.tickethotline.com.my  dengan harga dari RM48 hingga RM208 bagi tempat duduk tepi gelanggang. Untuk butur-butr lanjut peraduan dan Showdown, layari http://showdownkl.com

-        Tamat        –

Latar Belakang LD Sports Sdn. Bhd.

LD Sports adalah syarikat penganjur acara yang terkenal ditubuhkan pada tahun 1997. Pernah menganjurkan acara bawah khemah dan perlawanan sukan  yang  mendapat sambutan hebat Showdown of Champions 2008 dan Clash of Times/the Titans pada 2007, yang menampilkan barisan bintang dan jaguh tenis Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, John McEnroe dan Bjorn Borg, LD Sports juga berjaya mementaskan muzika Merchants of Bollywood dalam suatu usahasama pada pertengahan 2009.

Latar Belakang Firefly Sdn.Bhd.

Firefly, Penerbangan Komuniti Anda dilancarkan pada April 2007. Ia dikendalikan di bawah FlyFirefly Sdn. Bhd, dan merupakan sebuah subsidiari milik penuh Malaysia Airline System (MAS) Berhad. Nama ‘Firefly’ melambangkan personaliti syarikat pernerbangan, yang berwatak lincah, pintar, menawan dan ceria.

Untuk maklumat lebih lanjut, layari  http://www.fireflyz.com..my/about/company-profile

Pertanyaan media mengenai Firefly hendaklah ditujukan  kepada:

Raja Saadi Raja Amrin, Pengurus PR  di 012 2260048 atau

rajasaadi.rajaamrin@malaysiaairlines.com

Untuk pertanyaan media yang lain,  sila hubungi:

Devakhi Nathan
G2 Public Relations
T: 03 – 2178 0060
Devakhi.Nathan@g2.com

Suchithra Krishnan
G2 Public Relations
T: 03- 2178 0054
Suchithra.Krishnan@g2.com

Rakan Platinum:

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Dec 8, 2009 –  Showdown of Champions 2009 aced a winning partnership with Firefly as it welcomed the community airline as its Platinum Partner. With this strategic alliance, Firefly will have the rights to feature selected images and branding of Glam Slam with these four international tennis players; namely Elena Dementiva, Maria Kirilenko, Zheng Jie and Sania Mirza, for one year. This will also be extended to Firefly’s parent company, Malaysia Airlines and its subsidiary MASwings. Held at the Royale Chulan Hotel, Kuala Lumpur – Showdown’s official hotel, this briefing also saw the launch of the search for two ‘Liaison Officers’, local female chaperons who will spend four days with two of the skilled and glamorous tennis stars during their exhibition stint here in Kuala Lumpur.

“LD Sports is excited to have Firefly as Showdown’s Platinum Partner. Their regional and international network that is further supported by MAS and MASwings is well-suited to deal with the anticipated increase in tourist flow travelling for the Showdown. With its 21 ticket offices  promoting this event, Firefly’s extensive presence also provides the ideal marketing platform for us to create further awareness,” said En. Adlin Zabri, Deputy Chairman of LD Sports Sdn.Bhd., organizers of the Showdown of Champions.

He further added that this is actually the first time in the three years of having organized tennis extravaganzas that Showdown is working with an airline. This sponsorship by Firefly indicates the growing popularity of Glam Slam events in Malaysia.

Ms.Angelina Fernandez, Head of Marketing & Communications of Firefly said that by partnering with LD Sports for the Showdown of Champions 2009, the brand stays true to its commitment of bringing communities closer not only for Malaysians but also for visiting travelers.

She added, “ Firefly’s point to point access to airports throughout Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore has increased the amount of visitors into Malaysia. With the combined network  that Firefly, Malaysia Airlines and MASwings offers, this partnership will now bring even more visitors our country. Firefly will be launching their  Grand Slam packages online tomorrow. “

Firefly’s  sponsorship comprises of  Malaysia Airlines  and Firefly tickets and Firefly packages.

Billed as Asia vs Russia, the exhibition match is scheduled for the 19 and 20 December and will see the female quartet demonstrate their  tennis skills and fashion sense both on and off court.  Aptly called the Glam Slam in celebration of the players’ renowned fashion sense, they will pit their skills against each other in the doubles and singles match at  Stadium Malawati, Shah Alam. Showdown of Champions 2009 is supported by the Ministries of Tourism and Youth and Sport and Lawn Tennis Association of Malaysia (LTAM).

“Tennis has married fashion. I believe few sports are as intertwined with fashion as tennis – a bond that has become more deliberate in recent years with tennis stars doubling up as socialites too,” Adlin enthused when announcing the launch of Glam Slam’s search for two female Liaison Officers, each to be sponsored by LD Sports and Firefly.

In sharing the details of the search, he said, ”LD Sports is awarding the winner of LD’s Liaison Officer search a three night single room stay at Royale Chulan Hotel and RM1,000 in spending allowance. Completely a wildcard – this is an opportunity of a lifetime where one lucky female Malaysian, aged 18 years and above will chaperon one of the four tennis players. To add to the Glam, our lucky Malaysian will be working alongside two celebrities and one Firefly Liaison winner  – Showdown will have Malaysia’s very own Glam Slam quartet! “

“This role will see the winning Liaison Officers act as an intermediary and  accompany the star on every public session scheduled from their arrival to the time they leave and is best suited for someone who speaks well, is confident and articulate. The Liaison Officers will also act as an ambassador of our country, so it is important that she is familiar with our local culture, customs and the various offerings Malaysia has as a tourist destination,” he explained.

Participation is really simple. Interested contenders are to head to Level 3, Connection Precinct, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur this Friday, 11th December between 6.30pm – 8pm and come dressed in chic, classy or creative tennis attire and heels. The organizers aim to stay true to the fashion statements often made by the four tennis stars themselves!  Be spotted by one of the uniformed Showdown of Champions crew, answer some simple questions and stand a chance to be THE Liaison Officer!

Firefly on the other will launch their search for the ‘Firefly Liaison Officer’ via online media, through its Facebook page.

Angelina emphasised that, “ Our passengers are our trophy. The opportunity for participation will be shared with our valued passengers and our search goes online tomorrow,  offering a chance for our passengers to enjoy the experience of not just of being with these tennis stars but to be a STAR  themselves whilst enjoying exciting giveaways from Firefly. We are thrilled for our passengers.”

Either way, fame and glam most certainly awaits the lucky winners!

Adlin urged fans and fashionistas to book their tickets to the Showdown early to avoid disappointment.  Tickets for the Glam Slam can be purchased via www.tickethotline.com.my and are priced from RM48 to RM208 for court side seats.

For more contest and Showdown details, visit http://showdownkl.com

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About LD Sports Sdn.Bhd.

LD Sports is a renowned event organiser established in 1997. Organisers of marquee event and highly successful Showdown of Champions 2008 and the Clash of Times/the Titans in 2007 featuring the likes of  Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, John McEnroe and Bjorn Borg, LD Sports also successfully staged the musical Merchants of Bollywood in a joint venture effort in mid-2009.

About Firefly Sdn.Bhd.

Firefly, Your Community Airline was launched in April 2007. It is operated under FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Malaysian Airline System (MAS) Berhad. The name ‘Firefly’ (fei ying) describes the airline’s personality, which is agile, brilliant, charming and fun.

For more information, visit http://www.fireflyz.com.my/about/company-profile

Media enquiries on Firefly should be made to :

Raja Saadi Raja Amrin, PR Manager at 012 2260048 or rajasaadi.rajaamrin@malaysiaairlines.com

For  other media enquiries, please contact:

Suchithra Krishnan
G2 Public Relations
T: 03- 2178 0054
Suchithra.Krishnan@g2.com

Devakhi Nathan
G2 Public Relations
T: 03 – 2178 0060
Devakhi.Nathan@g2.com

PlatinumPartner:

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)