Kevin Anderson will return to Abu Dhabi at the end of the year to defend his Mubadala World Tennis Championship, organisers have confirmed.
The world No 8 is the third high-profile player to sign up for the December 27-29 exhibition event after 14-time grand slam champion Novak Djokovic and seven-time major winner Venus Williams were confirmed earlier this month.
The big-serving South African defeated Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut in last year's final at the Abu Dhabi International Tennis Centre at Zayed Sports City.
“What a tournament last year turned out to be," said Anderson, 32. "The Mubadala World Tennis Championship is the perfect start to the tennis season and I cannot wait to return to the court and defend my title.”
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Novak Djokovic and Venus Williams confirmed for Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi
Tickets to see Novak Djokovic and Venus Williams at Mubadala World Tennis Championship go on sale
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The MWTC proved the launchpad for a successful 2019 season for Anderson. After winning his fourth ATP title in New York he reached the final at Wimbledon in July, losing to Djokovic 6-2, 6-2, 7-6.
Promoters Flash Entertainment said in a statement: “Every year, the MWTC grows in stature on the worldwide tennis circuit, attracting leading players from across the world.
"Kevin Anderson’s return shows the prominence top seeds place on this event and the increasing global focus on Abu Dhabi as a key destination for world-class sporting events.”
Organisers announced a theme for the three days of action at this year's tournament. Day 1 will be centred around families with free entry for children age 2-12 with the purchase of an adult ticket. Day 2 will cater for food lovers and Day 3 will be dedicated to women.
Tickets are priced from Dh100 and can be purchased from www.ticketmaster.ae or by calling 800 86 823 and all Virgin Megastores across the UAE.
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Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
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Transmission: 10-speed auto
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On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
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Replacements: Tolu Latu, Allan Alaalatoa, Taniela Tupou, Rob Simmons, Pete Samu, Nick Phipps, Matt Toomua, Jack Maddocks.
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Estijaba – 8001717 – number to call to request coronavirus testing
Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111
Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre
Emirates airline – 600555555
Etihad Airways – 600555666
Ambulance – 998
Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries
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The taxidermy centre was established 12 years ago and is headed by Dr Ulrich Wernery.
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MWTC info
Tickets to the MWTC range from Dh100 and can be purchased from www.ticketmaster.ae or by calling 800 86 823 from within the UAE or 971 4 366 2289 from outside the country and all Virgin Megastores. Fans looking to attend all three days of the MWTC can avail of a special 20 percent discount on ticket prices.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP FIXTURES
September 30
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October 7
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2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight
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Name: Greg Heinricks
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The fourth season of du Football Champions was launched at Gitex on Wednesday alongside the Middle East’s first sports-tech scouting platform.“du Talents”, which enables aspiring footballers to upload their profiles and highlights reels and communicate directly with coaches, is designed to extend the reach of the programme, which has already attracted more than 21,500 players in its first three years.
2019 ASIAN CUP FINAL
Japan v Qatar
Friday, 6pm
Zayed Sports City Stadium, Abu Dhabi
