SIX Grand Slam Champions head up Watsons Water Champions Challenge

Hong Kong (24 October 2006)

The Hong Kong Tennis Patrons' Association (TPA), organiser of the Watsons Water Champions Challenge 2007 announces that Hong Kong's premier tournament will once again attract a line-up of the biggest names in world tennis.

Headlining the field is one of the most glamorous and talented tennis stars, Maria Sharapova, who returns to Hong Kong for the fourth time. Currently ranked No.3 in the world, Maria recently grabbed the 2006 US Open, picking up her second Grand Slam title. She adds this to the Wimbledon Crown, which she won in 2004. After securing the US Open title, she is expected to win other tournaments in the coming months.

Making her second appearance in Hong Kong is the highly popular Champion Kim Clijsters. Rejuvenated after a prolonged injury, Belgium-born Kim won the Watsons Water Champions Challenge in 2006, battling former World No.1 Lindsay Davenport.

We are also proud to welcome Chinese stars Zheng Jie and Yan Zi. The formidable duo, who are ranked the No.2 Doubles Team in the world, made history by being the first Chinese athletes ever to win 2 Grand Slam doubles Crowns, Wimbledon and the Australian Open. A rousing reception for the pair is expected in Hong Kong.

Adding to the line-up of tennis stars is the World No.4 Svetlana Kuznetsova, also a former Grand Slam Champion. Regarded as one of the most aggressive players on the tennis court, Svetlana looks set to be steps away from winning a second Grand Slam event.

The Watsons Water Champions Challenge has had a history of attracting new talent in tennis, with Maria Sharapova being the best example. Over the past two years, Hong Kong has nurtured another tennis prodigy, the statuesque Czech star Nicole Vaidsova. Appearing for the third time in Hong Kong, Nicole has leapt up the rankings and rose to No.9 in the world following a series of wins after reaching the semi-finals at the French Open in 2006.

Returning to one of her favorite cities is Russian Star Elena Dementieva. She is enjoying her best ever year winning tournaments in Los Angeles and Tokyo. She has victories over Maria Sharapova, Justine Henin-Hardenne and Kim Clijsters, and has reached a high of No.5 in the world this year.

Completing the all-star line-up is the former World No.1 Lindsay Davenport. A Wimbledon and US Open Champion, Lindsay remains one of the foremost players in tennis today.

'Over the past 8 years of bringing stars to the Watsons Water Champions Challenge, this year's tournament must reign as having one of the most impressive line-ups we have ever assembled. Everyone will be thrilled to see Maria returning, especially after her recent US Open success,' said Mr. Ian Wade, President of the Hong Kong Tennis Patrons' Association (TPA). 'Hong Kong fans carry an affection for her which stretches back over the past three years, when she came here as a young 16-year-old. With Kim Clijsters, Lindsay Davenport and our Chinese stars also in the field, we're poised to stage the most exciting event ever!'

'We're proud to be backing this world class tournament again bringing excitement to the Hong Kong community,' said Mr. Steve Tong, General Manager of Watsons Water, title sponsor of the event. 'The Watsons Water Champions Challenge has grown into probably the most attractive event in Asia, this year boasting six Grand Slam Champions.'

The tournament will follow the same format as the previous year. Eight players will play in Singles and Doubles competitions. The first round will be played on a knockout basis, and winners will be placed into the Gold group and losers into the Silver group. There will be semi-finals and finals for both groupings. Fans will also have opportunity to watch the Ladies Doubles, with hopes high for a Chinese success!

The Watsons Water Champions Challenge will be staged over four days, from 3 to 6 January 2007. Tickets will go on sale in early December 2006.

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For more information please call Mr. Terry Catton, Co-Tournament Director, or Ms. Amy Tsang PR Manager, KCE Sport and Entertainment. (Tel: +852 2723 8721)

About Watsons Water
Watsons Water is a wholly owned subsidiary of A. S. Watson Group and has been serving pure distilled water to the people of Hong Kong since 1903. Today, 'purity' is synonymous with Watsons Water and recognised as a key attribute of the brand. Watsons Water encourages consumers to actively participate in sports activities for the development of their well-being. Thus, Watsons Water strives to bring magnificent events to Hong Kong and to foster local sports development. The company offers a variety of water products to satisfy customers' diversified needs. It is conveniently available anytime and anywhere, whether at home, office, retail shops or even simply jogging on the street. Since 1995, Watsons Water has established its water plants in Beijing, Shanghai and the major cities of Guangdong provinces to cater for the growing consumer demand.