Six-time grand slam doubles champion Cara Black was one of four players given a special invitation to compete at this year's Beijing Olympics.

The Zimbabwean, who has won four major doubles titles and two grand slam mixed doubles titles with her brother Wayne, is currently the top-ranked doubles player in the world with partner Liezel Huber of the United States.

Stephanie Vogt of Liechtenstein was also chosen to compete in the 64-player women's field, the International Tennis Federation said on Monday.

Rafael Arevalo of El Salvador and Komlavi Loglo of Togo were chosen to play in the men's tournament.

The players were selected by the International Olympic Committee, National Olympic Committees and the ITF -- a group called the Tripartite Commission.

The ATP and the ITF have said the world rankings will be used as a guide to determine who gets the 56 direct spots in the men's and women's singles competitions. Six of the remaining eight spots in each tournament will be given out by the ITF's Olympic Committee.

Each country, however, is limited to a maximum of six players, with up to four competing in the singles tournament and up to two teams in doubles.

El Salvador, Togo and Liechtenstein will be competing in the tennis event for the first time, the ITF said. Black represented Zimbabwe at the 2000 Sydney Games.

The Olympic tennis event starts from August 10.

(Agencies via Shanghai Daily April 2, 2008)