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Tournament director Graham Pearce is confident of securing another three top-20 players, adding to what is already a formidable field for the men's Open in Auckland.
World No 6 Tommy Robredo, of Spain, and No 9 ranked Mario Ancic, of Croatia, will be joined by defending champion Jarkko Nieminen of Finland, ranked 15th, at the January 8-13 Open.
"This is the first time in the Open era history that two top-10 players have entered the Heineken Open," Pearce said. "This is looking to be our best quality field ever."
Robredo, 24, winner of two titles in 2006 has had a consistent year, gaining a spot in the elite eight-man season ending Tennis Masters Cup in Shanghai next week. He has four career singles titles, two this year, including the ATP Masters Series at Hamburg.
"Tommy has consolidated his top-10 position as one of the most consistent players in the world and has now joined the world elite. . ," Pearce said.
"It will be a treat for tennis fans to see him in action."
Ancic, 22, has won two titles this year and made three finals - in Auckland, Beijing and Marseille.
Defending champion Nieminen is a favourite with New Zealand fans. The 25-year-old treated the Auckland crowd to one of the most thrilling matches seen here when last year he beat Belgian Oliver Rochus 6-4, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (4) in the semifinals.
In the final he overcame Ancic - a welcome relief after being a beaten finalist on four previous occasions.
The field doesn't close for another three weeks and Pearce is in talks with another three top 20 players - one of which is Chile's Fernando Gonzalez.
"The tournament is close as you can get to the conditions for the Australian Open, which is what they are coming down here for - they want some court time, they want to have some competition.
"I think Auckland is a laid back city for them, the courts are close to the hotels so it is an easy place to start the year. Players have gone on from here to do very well in the Australian Open."
In the past, New Zealand's top ranked player has been awarded a wild card however Pearce isn't convinced anyone has done enough to warrant entry into this year's main draw.
"Not at this stage unless someone suddenly puts their hand up which is always a possibility but that is why we keep wildcards open till the end."
The only player really in contention is Dan King-Turner who is ranked around 460th in the world.
The other two wildcards are given to overseas players. The final line-up will be revealed on November 29.
