Sharapova to play in Hong Kong next year

HONG KONG (AP) -- Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova of Russia will headline a star-studded field for next year's Champions Women's Challenge in Hong Kong, organizers announced Tuesday.

The 17-year-old world No. 10 Sharapova is the top draw card for the exhibition tournament, scheduled for Jan. 5-8 at the Victoria Park Tennis court.

Other players include four-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams of the United States, world no. 1 Amelie Mauresmo of France and last month's U.S. Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia.

Sharapova first played in Hong Kong two years ago when her world ranking was 186th.

"We are delighted Sharapova will be returning to Hong Kong," said Colvin Brown, president of the Hong Kong Tennis Patrons Association.

Mauresmo will be making her Hong Kong debut along with Kuznetsova.

Organizers also announced that the tournament will not feature a men's competition next year because top players like two-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer of Switzerland and former U.S Open champion Andy Roddick of the United States have other commitments.