Doubles 
at WTA Finals to be knockout event

There will be some distinct changes when the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global returns to the Republic from Oct 23 to 30.

The doubles event at last year's Finals saw a round-robin stage before the knockout battle kicked in, but this year, the world No. 1 pair of Martina Hingis and Sania Mirza and the other leading doubles teams will feel the heat from the outset, as the tournament at the Singapore Indoor Stadium adopts a knockout system.

This will see the first four days of competition featuring only singles matches, with the doubles competition starting only on Oct 27.   

Off the courts, the tournament will kick off on Oct 23 with a Family Day, which will feature live entertainment and fan activities.

The deal is sweetened with a 50 per cent discount on the Family Day ticket package (two adults and two children below 16) for the day.

Organisers say that the inspiration for all these changes has been the tennis fans.

"We definitely listen to our fans, and we find that this dynamic knockout format is very exciting, it allows fans to see intense matches - it's do or die - that's why we're looking to this format, this is what our fans want," said Melissa Pine, vice-president of WTA Asia Pacific and the event's tournament director.

"And we really feel that this is one that fans will really enjoy, the opportunity to see all of the top eight players in the first four days, and then the dynamic doubles format… the most exciting format of knockout doubles, so that will give a nice blend," she added.

PRE-SALE

The pre-sale phase for tickets starts today for OCBC cardmembers and StarHub customers, with advance purchase specials made available to the public from May 6, including the Family Day Package, All Singles Evening Pass and the Full Day Pass.

The next phase of sales begins in July, and will see the release of single-session tickets, including those for the semi-finals and finals, as well as concession tickets.

For details, go to www.wtafinals.com/tickets/tickets-hospitality.

WTA Finals S'pore

WHEN

Oct 23 to 30

WHERE

Singapore Indoor Stadium

TICKETS

• Pre-sale phase - Today to next Thursday for OCBC cardmembers and StarHub customers
• Advance purchase specials 
- From next Friday
• Release of single-session tickets 
- In July

For details, go to www.wtafinals.com/tickets/tickets-hospitality