Zvonareva to defend Pattaya title

Zvonareva defied the heat and humidity at the Dusit Thani Hotel court last year to overpower India's Sania Mirza in the final and add to a stash of career titles that currently numbers nine.

 "I am very excited to be returning to Thailand, one of my favourite places, and will try my best to defend my title," said Zvonareva.

"It is a great event with enthusiastic fans and I obviously have very fond memories from the 2009 tournament. I hope I can lift the winner's trophy again in 2010."

Zvonareva, who reached the semifinals of the Australian Open this year, is one of a number of leading players who have signed up for the tournament, which in 2010 will be celebrating its 19th year on the WTA Tour calendar.

 Next year's event will see further improvements to the venue. Grandstands on three sides of the centre court will be covered for spectators convenience and the lighting on the main courts will be further upgraded for TV coverage of night matches.

However, the size of the qualifying draw will be reduced to 16 slots in order to improve the quality of the field. The qualifying matches will be played on February 7 and 8, with the main draw starting on February 8 and running through to the finals on February 14.