Zvonareva heads to Pattaya

Newly-crowned Australian Open doubles champion Vera Zvonareva lands in Thailand today where she is top seed at the US$220,000 PTT Pattaya Open, at the beach city's Dusit Thani Hotel from February 5-12.

Fresh from her win in Melbourne with Russian compatriot Svetlana Kuznetsova, world No 7 Zvonareva will be competing in Pattaya for the fourth successive year after winning backtoback titles in 2009 and 2010 but losing in the semifinals to Daniela Hantuchova last year. Another early Pattaya arrival is fellow Russian Maria Kirilenko, currently ranked No 29, who is booked on the same flight as Zvonareva.

Two local teenagers - Tanaporn Thongsing and Nattawadee Kotcha - are eyeing a shot at the stars after being handed wild cards into the qualifying round. They will join Varatchaya Wongteanchai and Nudnida Luangnam in the 16strong qualifying competition on February 56.

The tournament proper starts on February 6 with play from 3pm daily. The final is on Sunday February 12. Tickets at Bt300, Bt500, Bt800 and Bt1,200 are available at www.Pentanglepromotions.com or www.Thaiticketmajor.com.