Cilic, Bhambri Unveil New Chennai Trophy

© Aircel Chennai OpenYuki Bhambri and Marin Cilic unveiled the new Chennai trophy.

The Aircel Chennai Open, India and South Asia’s only ATP World Tour tennis event, on Saturday unveiled the trophy that will be presented to the winner of the $430,000 tennis tournament in Chennai. 

World No. 15 and two-time champion Marin Cilic and Indian No.1 Yuki Bhambri, together with Sankara Naraynan K, Regional Business Head, Chennai and ROTN, Aircel, M.A. Alagappan, President of Tamil Nadu Tennis Association, C.B.N. Reddy, Honorary Secretary, Tamil Nadu Tennis Association, Tom Annear, Tournament Director and Ashu Jindal, COO, IMG Reliance, unveiled the stunning trophy.

The top sporting event, scheduled to take place at the city’s SDAT Tennis Stadium from 31 December, 2012 to 6 January, 2013 has confirmed participation from leading players in the world including Tomas Berdych, Janko Tipsarevic, Marin Cilic, Stanislas Wawrinka and top-ranked doubles specialists Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi, Rohan Bopanna and Daniel Nestor.

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The special Aircel Chennai Open trophy for the 18th edition of the tournament has been conceptualised, designed and handcrafted by Frazer and Haws, a brand with a historic pedigree. Richly handcrafted to bring out style and substance, the trophy is a reminder of traditions that keep alive the spirit of sportsmanship in India. The trophy is conceptualised to highlight strength and resilience, and stands tall with the cup symbolising the wide spectrum victory.

Commenting on this, Sankara Naraynan K, Regional Business Head, Chennai and ROTN, Aircel stated, “Aircel Chennai Open in India has gained immense popularity amongst the youth and we at Aircel take pride in associating with this brilliant tournament and IMG Reliance who continuously strive to raise the bar of the event every year and make this event a sports extravaganza.”

M.A. Alagappan, President of Tamil Nadu Tennis Association said, “The Aircel Chennai Open has been growing in popularity over the years and we are glad that another edition of India’s only ATP World Tour tennis event is all set to begin. It is our pleasure to unveil this symbol of achievement that will be presented to the title holder of the 2013 edition.”

Ashu Jindal, COO, IMG Reliance said, “We are delighted to unveil the trophy for the 18th edition of the Aircel Chennai Open. It personifies the enthusiasm and energy associated with the event and we are sure that the winner of this trophy will give fans some scintillating tennis action in the days to come. Much has gone into making the event a top-class tournament; we’ve grown in leaps and bounds and are geared up for an exciting week of tennis that features the best field we’ve had to date.”

“The organisers of the Aircel Chennai Open add new and exciting features to the tournament every year. These elements make the event special and everyone waits in anticipation to experience something fresh and new. Introducing a trophy in the 18th edition of the tournament is an outstanding move and I am certain the players will be delighted to receive it,” said Tournament Director, Tom Annear.