Sharapova, Williams and Murray Headline IPTL at MOA Arena

Sharapova, Williams and Murray headline IPTL at MOA Arena

Four Teams. Thirty Icons. New Rules.  Tennis megastars are taking center stage this November 28-30 at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena for the biggest and most unique sports competition the Philippines has ever seen.

With worldwide tennis superstars Maria Sharapova, Andy Murray, and Carlos Moya as headliners of the Manila Mavericks team, the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) is expediently gaining traction as the sports event of the year. The IPTL is a tennis championship league headed by Mahesh Bhupathi, an Indian tennis champion.

32 Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Singles title holder Maria Sharapova

The three-day competition will include four teams representing four countries across Asia that will vie for the grand title to take home the winning prize of USD 1 Million. These include the Indian Pacers, UAE Royals, Singapore Slammers, and Manila Mavericks, with each team represented by international tennis bigwigs.

The Manila Mavericks team is represented by seasoned and seeded players: 32 Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Singles title holder and darling of the press Maria Sharapova; current Wimbledon Championship titleholder Andy Murray; 11 Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) World Tour Singles title holder Jo-Wilfred Tsonga; tennis legend Carlos Moya, 85 Men’s Double title holder Daniel Nestor; Belgium’s 2013 Sportswoman of the Year Kirsten Flipkens, and Pinoy pride Treat Huey.

Other tennis stars representing the other teams are: number one in women’s singles tennis title holderSerena Williams, Nick Kyrgios, Daniela Hantuchova, Tomas Berdych, and Patrick Rafter as part of theSingapore Slammers; Ana Ivanovic, Fabrice Santoro, and Gael Monfils for the Indian Aces; and Eugenie Bouchard, Richard Gasquet, and Goran Ivanisevic for the UAE Royals. Many other players will be announced as the date draws closer to the match.

The entire competition in the Philippines lasts for three days. Each day comprises of two matches, with five sets per match. Matches include: Men’s, Singles, Women’s Singles, Men’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Mixed Doubles, and Legends Singles. Each season pass entitles the holder to attend all three days, making sure fans receive their money’s worth. The Philippines is the first stop of four cities in which the Manila Mavericks will continue to represent the Philippines to win the grand title of the IPTL.

Match schedules are as follows: November 28: India vs. Singapore at 4 PM and Philippines vs. UAE at 7:30 PM; November 29: UAE vs. Singapore at 4 PM and Philippines vs. India at 7:30 PM; and November 30: UAE vs. India at 4 PM and Philippines vs. Singapore at 7:30 PM.

The MOA Arena is a multi-purpose venue that can accommodate a seating capacity of 15,000, with a full house at 20,000. Designed for concerts and basketball games, it can also be configured to a fashion show and tennis court.

For more information, please visit www.premiertennisleague.com and  www.smtickets.com. (PL/SM)