February 26, 2008	Tuesday	Safar 18, 1429

BANGALORE, Feb 25: World No 4 Jelena Jankovic will play in next week’s WTA Bangalore Open, organisers said on Monday, after Sania Mirza’s shock pullout robbed the tournament of local glamour.

The 22-year-old Serbian joins Williams sisters Venus and Serena in the $600,000 event, India’s richest tennis tournament.

“Jelena’s confirmation after Serena and Venus has put the icing on the cake,” tournament director Sunder Raju said. “She is considered one of the toughest players in the game.”

Jankovic will be the top-ranked player in the March 3-9 event, which suffered a blow earlier this month when Indian star Sania withdrew to avoid controversies.

Sania had been criticised in the past by ultra nationalists for wearing short skirts and sleeveless tops on court, and before the Australian Open a row flared after she was shown with her bare feet resting near the Indian flag.

Jankovic said she was “thrilled and excited” about her first visit to India.—AFP