MTF to host big-scale event

The Malta Tennis Federation (MTF) have been entrusted with the organisation of the 2004 Fed Cup Europe/Africa Zone Group Two and Three matches.

Juan Margets, vice-president of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and executive director of Fed Cup and women's tennis, confirmed Malta's choice as the venue for this event in a letter to Peter Zammit, president of the MTF.

A statement by the MTF said that the event will be held in April-May next year but the exact dates are still to be announced by the MTF and ITF.

This is the first time that a Fed Cup tournament is to be staged in Malta. For the past two years, the MTF had been striving to earn the right to host this event, the largest ladies' tournament ever to be held on our islands.

In the past, the MTF organised a number of other prestigious international events but this Fed Cup tournament should set new levels of participation as a minimum 11 countries in Group II and 12 to 14 countries in Group III will take part. Around 104 players are expected to be involved in this tournament.

The Marsa Sports Club has been earmarked as the venue for this tournament. The MTF's executive committee have already set in earnest to supply information to the ITF on a number of vital logistical aspects such as courts, officials, accommodation, primary health care provider, tournament director, helpers and officiating, promotion, marketing and communications, transport, ceremonial captains meeting and the draw ceremony.

The MTF are planning to launch this event at a news conference in February-March, in collaboration with the Minister for Youth and the Arts Jesmond Mugliett.