Tennis: Top 20 player set for Auckland tournament

ASB Classic boss Richard Palmer has accomplished half of his ambition to bring two top-20 players to the January tournament.

Palmer will announce a major signing on Tuesday and it's believed to be either Jelena Jankovic (12), Daniela Hantuchova (16) or Anastasia Myskina (17).

All three have played in Auckland before, with Hantuchova beaten in this year's semifinals.

Palmer is hopeful of securing two top-20 players and is still in negotiations with defending champion Marion Bartoli, who is 19th on the rankings.

The likes of Mary Pierce (29), Katarina Srebotnik (24) and Vera Zvonereva (26) are still on his wish list, along with up-and-comers Maria Kirilenko (31) and Michaella Krajicek (35).

Regulars Martina Muller (36), Eleni Daniilidou (41) and Meilen Tu (92) are expected to return.

"It's going to be hard to stack up with 2006 when we had one in the top 10 and two others in the top 20 but it will still be a good field," Palmer said.

He's not able to approach gold exempt players, generally the world's top 10, because the ASB Classic is a tier 4 tournament.

Kiwis Marina Erakovic and Sacha Jones are in line for wildcards, with another New Zealander, Leanne Baker, a chance for the third of the wildcards.

Palmer will have a better idea of his field once players finalise their plans for the first six months of 2007 by November 15.