Dutchman Schlaken confirms
for Tata Open

Dutchman Sjeng Schlaken, who finished No. 20 in the 2002 ATP Champions Race for the first time in his career, has confirmed his entry for the $400,000 Tata Open ATP tennis championship, to be held in Chennai, from December 30 2002 to January 5, 2003.

"This is the first time I will be playing in Chennai and I have heard very good things about the tournament from Richard Krajicek and other players. I'm excited about coming to India," the 6'3" tall Dutchman, said.

"I hope to improve on my ranking in 2003," he added.

The Tata Open, to be held for the seventh straight year in Chennai, will feature top players including Mark Phillippoussis, defending champion Guillermo Canas and last year's runner-up Paradorn Srichaphan, who had a memorable 2002 in which he defeated several top players including Andre Agassi and bagged the Asian Games gold medal.