Kournikova happy to be back in Hong Kong again after two years

Russian tennis sensation Anna Kournikova is back in Hong Kong after two years to take part in the Watson's Water Challenge Championships this week.

'I'm very happy to be back again in this lovely city,' said the 19-year-old. 'I think the season that has just passed was the most consistent one I have ever had.

And I'm definitely very happy and excited to have finished the year at number eight. This is my highest ranking so far. I could have done better at the US Open, the French Open and Wimbledon last season, but I'm sure I can improve this year.'

Ever since her international debut, Kournikova has proven a mega-hit with tennis fans and the media around the world with her exceptional beauty and glamour, which somehow seems to have eclipsed her actual skill and toughness on court.

Kournikova may be the most popular tennis player ever not to have won a singles title. She has already won over US$1 million (HK$7.8 million) in career prize money and is the most sponsored and marketed player ever in women's tennis.

She is also the 'most searched for' and 'most downloaded' athlete on the Internet, beating Michael Jordan, David Beckham and even Tiger Woods. She ranked fourth in all searches for female celebrities across the Internet last year after Britney Spears, Pamela Anderson and Jennifer Lopez.