Sania will spearhead the Asia-Pacific team at Hong Kong

Hong Kong, Oct 9 (UNI) Indian tennis ace Sania Mirza will lead the Asia-Pacific challenge in the World Team Challenge tournament to be held here from January 7-10 next year.

The tournament will feature four teams representing Europe, Russia, the Americas and the Asia-Pacific.

The tournament will replace the JB Group Classic exhibition, which is a warm-up event for women in the run up to the Australian Open.

World number one Jelena Jankovic will lead Team Europe, Venus Williams will spearhead the Americas, while Maria Sharapova will be leading Russia.

Each team will be represented by three players who would compete in both singles and doubles, Hong Kong Tennis Patrons' Association president Ian Wade said today.

There will be a semi-final draw for the teams, with each tie consisting of singles and doubles rubbers. The two teams which scores the most number of wins overall will progress to the final.

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