thinkpool

BARCELONA, Spain - The Barcelona KIA, a brand new event on this year's Sony Ericsson WTA Tour calendar, was launched Tuesday, March 6 in Barcelona. It has been over 12 years since the Spanish city has hosted a women's event; but now, with Arantxa Sánchez-Vicario acting as Co-Tournament Director, it will reappear on the circuit.

The tournament takes place on the red clay courts of the Tennis Municipal Center of Vall d’Hebrón-BTO, where the finals of the 1992 Barcelona Olympics were played. At the moment, the sign-up includes previous Tour titlists Meghann Shaughnessy, Emilie Loit and Lourdes Domínguez Lino, and dangerous clay courter Catalina Castaño.

The $145,000 Barcelona KIA, says Sánchez-Vicario, will hopefully provide a big boost for somewhat-waning Spanish women's tennis; throughout the 1990s and earlier on this decade, Spain had plenty of representation among the top of the game, with Sánchez-Vicario herself spending time as the world's No.1 player and countrywoman Conchita Martínez not too far behind, peaking at No.2. But now, only Anabel Medina Garrigues ranks in the Top 50 (at No.30).

"The Spanish public will have a unique chance to watch quality tennis live," she stated. "We've always dreamt of the possibility of watching high level tennis in our country and we've achieved it. One of our goals is to help players in their professional careers."

In addition to the winner's cheque, the Barcelona KIA champion will be given a brand new KIA cee'd car. The tournament will be held the week of June 11-17, concurrent with the Tier III grass court event in Birmingham, England. For more information on the tournament, visit www.rmcomunicacion.com