Tennis: Top pairs confirmed for men's doubles

By TERRY MADDAFORD

While some uncertainty remains over the composition of the field for the women's doubles at the ASB Bank Classic, Heineken Open director Graham Pearce has no such concerns with the men.

The world's top pairing of Todd Woodbridge and Jonas Bjorkman are set to take the top seeding here for the January 7-12 tournament after yesterday's confirmation that Australian Woodbridge will play the Vodafone-sponsored doubles.

With another top pairing - American Rick Leach and South African Ellis Ferreira - already confirmed (and now set to take the second seeding), the doubles promise to provide real entertainment, especially in the four night sessions from the Monday to the Thursday.

Pearce said the appearance of stars Marat Safin and Goran Ivanisevic in the Open and Martinez and Kournikova in the Classic, have already guaranteed the biggest return yet for Auckland Tennis.

"Finals day [January 12] at the Heineken Open is already sold out. Ticket sales for the Wednesday have been the slowest, but even that is more than 90 per cent sold."

While all covered seats have been sold for the men's tournament, the Yock stand still has some seats left. There are only a couple of unsold corporate boxes for the Heineken Open and one for the ASB Bank Classic.

The leading bid stands at $3300. Terms and conditions can be found on the site. Bids close at noon on Monday.

ASB Bank Classic full coverage

Players list and profiles

Ticket information

Anna Kournikova picture gallery

Place your bid to play tennis with Anna Kournikova

Related sites

Heineken Open full coverage

Tournament information

Tournament schedule

Players list and profiles

Ticket information

TV coverage

Related sites