Bangalore may host WTA tour

Sony Ericsson has tied up with the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA) to bring the Sony Ericsson International, a WTA tour event, to Bangalore.

Tennis stars Serena Williams and Sania Mirza will play for the tournament. This will be Serena's first appearance in India.

Dee Dutta, Corporate Vice President and Head of Marketing at Sony Ericsson, said, "Serena Williams and Sania Mirza are two of the most talented players on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour and we are confident that they will be joined by other top international players at the tournament in February. Our association with tennis is about enabling people to explore their passions. Throughout the past two years of our tennis sponsorship we have tried to provide something new and something different to tennis fans of all ages, and to extend the game beyond sport. We wish to do the same in India, one of our company's most important and dynamic markets."

R Ashok, Minister for Health, Government of Karnataka & Vice Chairman, Organising Committee, Sony Ericsson International, said "the Karnataka government is pleased to welcome Sony Ericsson to be associated with this WTA tour event at Bangalore. Sony Ericsson International is a important event in Karnataka. I am sure that this event will showcase Karnataka as a progressive state, equally committed to the development of sport, along with it's culture and heritage."