SYDNEY, Nov 23: Czech star Nicole Vaidisova is among eight of the world’s top 20 players confirmed for the Australian Women’s Hardcourt Tennis Championships next month, organisers said on Friday.

Vaidisova, who reached the semi-finals of this year’s Sydney International and Australian Open, will be joined by Russia’s Nadia Petrova (14).

Petrova, a finalist in the 2004 event, has reached the quarter-finals or better in 10 events and won this year’s Paris Indoors.

Compatriot Dinara Safina (15) will be back to defend her title along with another former champion, Switzerland’s Patty Schnyder (16).

Two-time Grand Slam champion and former world No.1 Amelie Mauresmo (18) of France will use the hardcourts to prepare for January’s Australian Open.

Among others taking part are 18-year-old Agnes Szavay (19) of Hungary, one of the most improved players on this year’s WTA Tour after beginning the season ranked 189.

Rounding out the top 20 players are Israeli Shahar Peer (17) and Austria’s Sybille Bammer (20).

The 175,000 US-dollar tournament will be held at Royal Pines Resort on Queensland’s Gold Coast from Dec 30 to Jan 5.—AFP