Michael Chang will be back to defend his title at the US$343,000 Salem Open in Victoria Park.
Organisers could not hide their glee yesterday when they confirmed that Chang, the world number three, would join the world's top-ranked player Pete Sampras - who confirmed his appearance earlier this month - at the April 4-12 ATP-ranking tournament.
'It is very rare indeed that two top players confirm so early. We couldn't have asked for a better pair,' said Lincoln Venancio, Spectrum's group managing director.
The two American stars between them have won the past five Salem Opens. Chang won this year and also in 1994 and 1995. Sampras took the title in 1993 - when he became the world number one for the first time - and also in 1996, by defeating Chang in the final.
'We are thrilled that Chang will be back to defend his title. He has been great for tennis in Asia and is definitely one of the greatest competitors on the ATP Tour. We are delighted that Hong Kong fans will have the opportunity to see him again,' said Venancio.
Venancio attributed the early confirmation of Sampras and Chang to the fact that the Salem Open has become a major tournament on the ATP calendar.
'When the players look at their spring schedule [for] Asia, the Hong Kong event and the Japan Open, which is the week after, are major elements.
