OkeShop returns to world tennis map

The US$ 20,000 OkeShop International Tennis Men’s Futures and Women’s Circuit Tournament will be slated from May 22-29 at Gelora Bung Karno Tennis Complex, Jakarta. It is OkeShop’s 4th consecutive year as main sponsor in partnership with Sportama. This co-event has attracted a strong field of entries, of which over half represent the younger generation of tennis players making their way to the top of their profession.

In men’s category, heading the field is Aussie Mark Verryth (rank ATP 524) who played Futures in Indonesia last year and 2008. Verryth will try to improve his 8-8 record so far this season after earning 2 titles in Japan and Mexico last year. A towering 6’6” Verryth will face some stiff challenge from Indonesian numero uno Christopher Rungkat (rank ATP 590) and also Japanese Arata Onozawa (rank ATP 597). Beside Rungkat who was a semi-finalist at OkeShop Men’s Futures Tournament last year, Bandung resident Elbert Sie (rank ATP 1051) is another Indonesian in the main draw.

In the women’s main draw, local players will be led by currently Indonesian number three Jessy Rompies (rank WTA 433) and followed by 2007 SEA Games’ gold medalist, Sandy Gumulya (rank WTA 535). Four more players also in the main draw are 16 years old Voni Darlina (rank WTA 845), Indonesia’s former junior queen Grace Sari Ysidora (rank WTA 907), hard hitter Cynthia Melita (rank WTA 919) and currently Indonesian junior number one Aldila Sutjiadi (rank WTA 1080). Two young Chinese players, Zhu Lin (rank WTA 645) and Yang Zi (rank WTA 815) along with Russian teenager Ksenia Kirillova (rank WTA 735) will add such fierce competition indeed. The qualifying rounds of this event will be held on May 22 & 23, while the main draw will commence on May 24.

By having Dunlop as the official ball, this international event will also hold “OkeShop Junior Classic” – a national junior tournament for 10 & Under, 12 & Under and 14 & Under. This particular competition is aimed to motivate young players in training rigorously so that they will strive for playing international junior circuits. In addition, Sportama will stage veteran tourney for the age of 40 years old and 50 years old with total prize money of 60 million rupiahs. With this veteran competition, it is hoped that this specific age group will maintain their tennis activity along with searching and developing young potential players. Moreover, it is important to maintain friendship among veterans as well as exchange experience on young age tennis development in their own region.

In the official press conference being held yesterday at Nan Xiang & Shanghai Cuisine Outlets which is located in The Sultan Hotel, Mr. Johannes Bima, Chief Marketing of PT Trikomsel Oke Tbk stated, “OkeShop International Tournament which began in 2008 – it is truly our commitment to support Indonesian tennis players’ achievement.” He also added that OkeShop has more than 800 shops allover Indonesia and through tennis players and their circles, we believe that they are our potential market. An international tourney is highly needed by Indonesian players to crank-up their world ranking. By getting better rank, they will have wide opportunity to enter other international tournaments. Therefore, it is the only way for Indonesian players to claim their highest performance.