“We are very excited about bringing ATP tennis to Vietnam with the Vietnam Open. The eyes of the world will be on Vietnam as it makes history by staging this international sports event and makes its mark on the international tennis map,” said Mr. Tran Van Mui, Vice Director, Sports Department of Ho Chi Minh City.

Formerly the Shanghai Open, the organizers have secured the license and received ATP approval to move the event to Vietnam.

International men’s tennis’ governing body, the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) has confirmed the staging of the event and is very excited about the opportunity to bring the world’s top men’s tennis players to Vietnam. This will be the highest profile tennis tournament to ever be staged in Vietnam and will generate global media coverage in more than 100 countries.

The Vietnam Open will be held from Saturday September 24 to Sunday October 2, 2005 and it promises to become Vietnam’s premier annual international sporting event. Prize money for the event is USD$380,000.

The ATP has approved the facilities at Pho Tho Indoor Stadium Complex, Ho Chi Minh City as the venue for this historic event.

“The Vietnam Open promises to be Vietnam’s premier annual sporting event and will increase the profile and perception of Vietnam as a country of world-class sport. It will also offer local fans a unique opportunity to watch their favorite tennis stars in action,” said Mr Brian L. Marcar Managing Director of BEC Tero Entertainment.

Sasson Khakshouri, President of ITP, predicts that the Vietnam Open will not only be a sporting highlight, but bring Vietnam even closer to the International community in terms of trade and tourism.