The grand finale to the women’s tennis season takes place in Istanbul this week, as the top names compete in the 2011 BNP Paribas WTA Championships, with exclusive coverage on British Eurosport.
World number one Caroline Wozniacki leads a star-studded field including Petra Kvitova, Victoria Azarenka, and Maria Sharapova for the most prestigious title outside the Grand Slams, and a share of the $5 million prize-fund.
The tournament’s format is unlike any other event on the WTA Tour, beginning with round robin matches with players grouped in two pools of four. The top two in each group progress to the semi-finals.
Denmark’s Wozniacki finished top of the ‘Race to Istanbul’ rankings, thanks to her wins in Dubai, Indian Wells, Charleston, Brussels and Copenhagen and secured her 18th WTA title in New Haven.
A semi-finalist at the US Open, Wozniacki was defeated by Kim Clijsters in the final of the 2010 Championships in Doha.
Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova joins Wozniacki in Turkey, along with semi-finalist Victoria Azarenka and runner-up Maria Sharapova.
GROUP STAGES
Red Group Caroline Wozniacki (1) – Denmark Petra Kvitova (3) – Czech Republic Vera Zvonareva (6) – Russia Agnieska Radwanska (8) – Poland White Group Maria Sharapova (2) – Russia Victoria Azarenka (4) – Belarus Na Li (5) – China Samantha Stosur (7) – Australia (Top two in each group progress to the semi final stages)British Eurosport’s expert commentary team of Simon Reed, Chris Bradnam, Jo Durie and Sam Smith will guide viewers through the action.
Aurelia Mounier will bring exclusive reports on the ground from the Sinan Erdem Dome in Istanbul.
Highlights of each day’s play will air every night throughout the week on either British Eurosport or British Eurosport 2.
Popular analyst Mats Wilander will also be on hand to give his unique perspective on the tournament in Eurosport’s regular tennis show, Mat’s Point.
In addition, all the action will be screened on Eurosport HD (Sky channel 412), and available online via Eurosport Player, including live coverage of the doubles semi-finals and final.
WTA Championships 2011 on British Eurosport
Tuesday 25 October 3pm-8.45pm – LIVE Round Robin – British Eurosport (HD) Wednesday 26 October 3pm-8.45pm – LIVE Round Robin – British Eurosport (HD) Thursday 27 October 3pm-8.45pm – LIVE Round Robin – British Eurosport (HD) Friday 28 October 3pm-8.45pm – LIVE Round Robin – British Eurosport (HD) Saturday 29 October 1pm-5pm – LIVE Semi Finals – British Eurosport (HD) Sunday 30 October 3pm-5pm – LIVE Final – British Eurosport (HD)The men’s counterpart – the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals – takes place at London’s O2 Arena from November 20-27, with full coverage on Sky Sports and selected matches on BBC TV.
