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Hong Kong may not be producing world class tennis players of their own, but the former Wimbledon and US Open Champion Maria Sharapova has praised the role it takes in giving rising stars a launch pad onto the world stage.The Russian world number five will be returning to the SAR to star in the J B•Group Classic 2008 in Victoria Park in January alongside Ana Ivanovic, Anna Chakvetadze, Venus Williams and Daniela Hantuchova.

Sharapova was originally invited to compete in Hong Kong’s annual women’s tournament as a virtually unknown 15-year-old back in January 2003, at the start of what turned out to be her breakthrough season.

“It was amazing that the tournament had enough confidence and belief in me that I can play with the very best girls in the world. Just thinking back, I think I beat Maggie (Magdelena Maleeva) who was ranked in the top 15 and then I lost to (Monica) Seles. These matches gave me so much experience and confidence which helped me develop into the player I am today,” the 20-year-old said, speaking from her base in Florida.

“I think the tournament now has a great tradition of spotting young talent and allowing the great tennis fans of Hong Kong to be the first to see this talent before they become big stars. All these young players are very lucky that Brian and Terry (Catton) have this vision, because very few tournament directors think like them.”

Information from KCE Sport and Entertainment

From left, President and CEO of MGM Grand Macau Terry Lanni, Macau and Hong Kong tycoon Stanley Ho, Managing director, Pansy Ho and Cheif Executive of Macau Edmund Ho toast during the opening of the MGM GRAND Macau

Macau, Tuesday, December 18, 2007 – MGM GRAND Macau announces the opening of the brand new world-class luxury hotel resort, a joint partnership development between Ms. Pansy Ho and MGM MIRAGE.

Tens of thousands of distinguished guest from the business and government sectors, dignitaries, socialites, celebrities, media and friends attended MGM GRAND Macau’s Grand Opening. Soaring 154 meters into the sky, the 35-storey hotel tower is destined to become a stylish icon in the Macau’s skyline and set an unprecedented standard in the hospitality sector in Macau and in Asia.