Players and VIP pose after a news conference a day before the JB Group Classic 2008 tennis.

Photo by Fu Ching Tak

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Hong Kong may not be producing world class tennis players of their own, but the former Wimbledon and US Open Champion Maria Sharapova has praised the role it takes in giving rising stars a launch pad onto the world stage.The Russian world number five will be returning to the SAR to star in the J B•Group Classic 2008 in Victoria Park in January alongside Ana Ivanovic, Anna Chakvetadze, Venus Williams and Daniela Hantuchova.

Sharapova was originally invited to compete in Hong Kong’s annual women’s tournament as a virtually unknown 15-year-old back in January 2003, at the start of what turned out to be her breakthrough season.

“It was amazing that the tournament had enough confidence and belief in me that I can play with the very best girls in the world. Just thinking back, I think I beat Maggie (Magdelena Maleeva) who was ranked in the top 15 and then I lost to (Monica) Seles. These matches gave me so much experience and confidence which helped me develop into the player I am today,” the 20-year-old said, speaking from her base in Florida.

“I think the tournament now has a great tradition of spotting young talent and allowing the great tennis fans of Hong Kong to be the first to see this talent before they become big stars. All these young players are very lucky that Brian and Terry (Catton) have this vision, because very few tournament directors think like them.”

Information from KCE Sport and Entertainment