On July 22, the 100-day countdown began for the ever-popular and prestigious Huajin Securities WTA Elite Trophy at Hengqin International Tennis Center from Oct 31 to Nov 5. 

The Women's Tennis Association Elite Trophy, an international tournament organized by Zhuhai Huafa Group, was first held in 2015. The stakes are higher this year with a $70,000 increase in prize money to $2.28 million.

Services at this year's tournament will further include leisure-and-fashion-combined entertainment. A Zhuhai food festival with local characteristics will extend the success achieved at the Asia-Sweeping Savor Food Festival last session. Cantonese cuisines are now also on the menu.

The outdoor carnival is to return with more creative, cultural, and arts activities for premiere audio-visual experiences.

According to the organizers, WTA Elite Trophy Zhuhai has matured into a high-level tennis tournament in South China with international influence.

WTA Elite Trophy Zhuhai only days away

Last year's event was televised in Europe, the Asia-Pacific, North and South America, Africa, and the Middle East, reaching more than 2.1 billion people. The tournament is now a window to Zhuhai, it was asserted.

Activities to commemorate the countdown were held at Hengqin International Tennis Center and elsewhere around the city.

Previous WTA singles champion Jelena Jankovic and Chinese rising stars Duan Yingying and Ji Chunmei joined the countdown festivities. They mingled with citizens to promote the all-people sport.

Jankovic, a Serbian professional player, first came to Zhuhai for the event in 2015, and was happy to return. The picturesque city, support from Chinese fans, and hospitality from the tournament have all become great memories, she said.

Women's tennis legend Stefanie Graf has again signed on as the tournament's global ambassador for the contests between players seeded 9 to 19. Graf, who has won all four Grand Slam tournaments, confirmed this May to continue as global ambassador to promote both the event and the city. She will also meet with Chinese fans. 

Duan Yingying and Jelena Jankovic with young fans [Photos by Zhu Xi / Zhuhai Daily]

Reasonably priced tickets are on sale at the official website www.wtaelitetrophy.com and WeChat WTAEliteTrophyZhuhai. On offer are discounts and a variety of flexible packages including customized creative value-added services designed for enterprises and institutions.

Preparations are nearly complete, according to the organizing committee.