Pune to host ATP Challenger

Pune will host the $50,000 MSLTA-ATP Challenger at the Shiv Chattrapathi Tennis Complex from Oct 18-25.

The last tennis event of such magnitude to be held here was a Davis Cup tie against Russia in 1974. Pune had also hosted a $125,000 Women's Tennis Association (WTA) Challenger in 2012.

"Apart from Chennai Open, this will be the biggest event of the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) tour in India," said Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association (MSLTA) secretary Sunder Iyer.

Top Indian players Somdev Devvarman, Yuki Bhambri, Saketh Myneni and Sanam Singh will be seen in action in the tournament. The last day of entry for players is Sep 29. Top players within the 75-140 ATP rankings are also expected to play.

The winner will get $7,600 and 90 ATP points while the runner-up will get $4,053 and 55 points.

"We are glad that Pune and Maharashtra has been allotted an event of such high standards by ATP and we will try to make it a grand success. We hope it will find a place on the ATP calendar on an annual feature," said Sanjay Khandhare, chairman of the organising committee.