Hobart claims best field in history
Hobart claims best field in history 
Former Australian Captain November 29, 2007
NINETEEN of the world’s leading 50 women have committed to play the 2008 Moorilla Hobart International, an important Australian Open lead-up tournament.
Alona Bondarenko, the world No.21 from Ukraine, former top-10 player Vera Zvonareva, from Russia, and 2006 champion Michaella Krajicek, from the Netherlands, headline the strongest field in the tournament’s history.
Russian glamour
girl and rising star Maria Kirilenko will make her second appearance at the tournament, and she will be joined by fellow top-30 players Agnieszka Radwanska, from Poland, and Victoria Azarenka, from Belarus.
“We are delighted to be able to showcase the best field ever assembled in Hobart,” tournament director Michael Roberts said.
“The Moorilla Hobart International has built a reputation for attracting world-class players, and 2008 is no exception.
“The tournament always provides a great springboard for players leading up to the Australian Open and the season that follows.”
This was clear this year, when Serena Williams won the Australian Open following her appearance in Hobart, and Hobart champion Anna Chakvetadze proceeded to record her best season on tour and moved to a career-high world ranking of No.5.
And, for the first time in Hobart, an exciting new doubles format will also be introduced.
The “No-Advantage” scoring rule will be used for all doubles matches, which will mean a deciding point will be played each time a game reaches deuce.
There will also be no third sets in doubles matches; rather a 10-point “super tiebreak” will be played.
The tournament runs from January 6 to January 13.
AAP