World number one Martina Hingis and her good friend Anna Kournikova were yesterday confirmed as definite starters for the Watson's Water Millennium Cup from January 5-8.
But there was no word as yet if Hingis' arch-rivals, the Williams sisters, would turn up to renew a growing rivalry at the exhibition event to be held at Victoria Park.
'It is a great coup to get Hingis to Hong Kong. We got some help from Kournikova who told us when she was here last time that she would try and convince her good friend to come to Hong Kong,' said Terry Catton, co-tournament director.
Exhibition or not, organisers of Hong Kong's popular tournament are keen to secure Serena and Venus Williams, knowing any showdown with Hingis can only generate huge interest, especially after the recent verbal spats between the Swiss star and her American peers at the US Open.
'It is our great hope that we get the Williams sisters. There is a healthy rivalry between them and Hingis which is great for the women's game,' said Catton.
If organisers are unsuccessful in securing the Williams sisters, chances are high that French star Mary Pierce or American ace Lindsay Davenport will be invited.