Attracting the "biggest name in women's tennis" has cost a pretty penny, but organisers say they will get more than their money's worth when glamorous Russian Maria Sharapova steps out at the 2007 Watsons Water Champions Challenge.

US Open champion Sharapova will spearhead a strong line-up, which includes defending Hong Kong champion Kim Clijsters of Belgium, for the January 3-6 tournament at Victoria Park.

"It is not getting any cheaper to convince Sharapova to come here. But by hook or by crook, we have managed to get her to come to Hong Kong. It took a bit of discussion to get her to agree," revealed Ian Wade, president of the Hong Kong Tennis Patrons Association (HKTPA).

The rest of the eight-strong field comprises Russians Svetlana Kuznetsova and Elena Dementieva, Czech Nicole Vaidisova, American Lindsay Davenport and Chinese stars Zheng Jie and Yan Zi.

"We have six grand slam champions," said co-tournament director Terry Catton. The sum of money dished out to lure big names, in this case Sharapova, was kept under wraps. But it is reliably understood the two-time grand slam winner - she also won Wimbledon in 2004 - commanded a seven-figure fee.

"We thought she was important for our event. She is the biggest personality in tennis," Wade said.

Organisers are hoping that by the time Sharapova turns up in Hong Kong she will be the world's number one.

She is third in the WTA rankings, behind Amelie Mauresmo and Justine Henin-Hardenne, but moved close to finishing the year as number one after she won the Zurich Open last week.

Soon after winning her fourth title of the year, Sharapova downplayed the significance of being number one. "I don't feel it's a huge deal. I honestly don't remember who ended the year number one last year. You remember people who won grand slams."

She added: "Of course being number one is a great achievement. That's what every girl dreams of when they're growing up and playing tennis. If I get the chance [again] then it's great."

Wade, who alluded to the fact Sharapova's fee had gone up considerably since she bagged the US Open crown last month, is a big fan. In his role as group managing director of AS Watson, Wade played a major role in luring her back to Hong Kong - by providing Sharapova's appearance money.

Wade has dipped into his own pocket to acquire Sharapova memorabilia. "Last time she was here, I paid HK$500,000 in a charity auction for her playing kit. The prize keeps going up. I have no intention of out-bidding myself this time," he said.

Catton revealed Hong Kong's case had been helped by the fact Sharapova would be playing in another exhibition event - in South Korea - just before arriving here.

"She will be in Asia, playing in a one-day exhibition event in Korea, just before coming to Hong Kong. Soon after our event she will leave for Melbourne to prepare for the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam event in 2007," Catton said.

While China's doubles specialists Zheng and Yan - the pair won Wimbledon and the Australian Open this year - will draw huge support from local fans, it is Sharapova who will be the darling of the crowds.

"We are happy that she is coming back. Hong Kong 'discovered' her four years ago, and she is certainly special," added Wade.

(South China Morning Post October 25, 2006)