Opinion | Start of something big for Hong Kong tennis

The long wait for a fully sanctioned professional tennis tournament is over thanks to the government. It has coughed up US$2 million as a one-off grant to the Hong Kong Tennis Association to buy an event sanctioned by the Women's Tennis Association.

On March 10, Hong Kong will officially own a WTA tier-three international tournament - one of 29 around the world - which will offer prize money of US$235,000 and guarantees one top-10 player in the 32-strong main draw. So in September 2014, we could see the likes of Maria Sharapova or Serena Williams turning up. Li Na said she was keen to come.

No big deal, some critics might say, for Hong Kong has been a regular stopover for the world's top-ranked women players in the past at the now-defunct Hong Kong Tennis Classic. We have had not one big name, but rather a handful turn up for the tournament, which was run by private concerns in tandem with the Hong Kong Tennis Patrons Association.

Those people who might sniff at the HKTA's involvement after years on the sidelines may have a point, but there will be a huge difference between the events as the Classic was essentially an exhibition event while the HKTA will stage the real deal. Apart from the prize money, precious WTA ranking points will also be on offer, and if the HKTA can drum up corporate support, more than one top-10 player may turn up.

As the government's go-getter in charge of sports, Home Affairs Bureau deputy secretary Jonathan McKinley said it was up to the HKTA to find additional money so an attractive field can be assembled.

Hong Kong has always been a must-go destination for the top athletes, not only in tennis but also in badminton, table tennis, volleyball, cricket, rugby, squash and golf.