FOUR TENNIS ICONS IN KL THIS NOVEMBER

KUALA LUMPUR, July 24 (Bernama) -- World number one Roger Federer and two tennis legends, Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe, will be in Kuala Lumpur for the Showdown of Champions 2008, to be be held at the Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Nov 18.

The trio will be joined by a fourth player who will either be the newly crowned Wimbledon champion and world number two, Rafael Nadal, or American ace James Blake to complete the cast of this star-studded show.

"The decision as to who will play in Malaysia will hinge on the outcome of the Davis Cup semi-final clash between Spain and the United States (US) in Madrid on Sept 21," said Nick Freyer, senior vice-president and head of tennis of IMG Asia, the event organisers, at a news conference, here today.

He said if Spain were to lose, Nadal will travel to Kuala Lumpur but if the US were to lose the clash, Blake, who is currently world number 8, will make the trip here.

The launching of the showdown was performed by the wife of the Deputy Prime Minister, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, who is patron of the tournament, and Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.

"We will watch the lively battles between the 80's stars, Borg and McEnroe followed by Federer and the fourth player. Then the final set will be Federer and Borg against McEnroe and the other star," Freyer said.

Meanwhile, Rosmah said two local faundations, the Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation National Centre and Yayasan Harapan Kanak-Kanak Malaysia would receive contributions from the show.

"I hope the showdown will attract global coverage for Malaysia and will be watched by millions around the world," she said.

Tickets for the showdown, priced between RM108 and RM498, are on sale at all Ticket Axcess outlets from yesterday or call +60377115000 for enquiries.
-- BERNAMA