French Open to award equal prize money to women and men

PARIS, Mar 16 (Reuters) The French Open will award equal prize money to all women and men players across the board in all events, the organisers announced today.

''It has been our objective since 2005. Last year, the first step was to award equal rewards to the winners of the men's and women's singles. In 2007, the parity will be total,'' said French Federation chairman Christian Bimes in a statement.

The French Open is the last of the four grand slam tournaments to make the move.

Prize money will total 15,264,500 euros (.33 million), an increase of 7.23 percent, with the winners of the men's and women's singles receiving 1,000,000 euros.

''Its very good news for women's tennis and for women in general terms. As a Frenchwoman, I'm happy and proud the French Open organisers took such a decision,'' said France's number one Amelie Mauresmo.

REUTERS DH PM0009