Over 800 players at HNB SLTA Clay Court Championship 2022

The HNB SLTA Clay Court Championship 2022, which is one of the three Super Series Calendar tournaments got off to a start at the Sri Lanka Tennis Association courts on Friday. According to organizers the tournament has attracted over 800 players.

The tournament organized by the Sri Lanka Tennis Association (SLTA) alongside a lineup of sponsors will culminated on March 27. Hatton National Bank (HNB) has extended its long-standing partnership with the Clay Court Championship as the Title Partner for the 3rd year running. Eventistry Sports is in the position of Presenting Partner along with National Development Bank (NDB) and LCY as associated sponsors.

A significant feature of this year’s SLTA tennis calendar is the introduction of the SLTA Super Series tournaments created to uplift and introduce an international format of tennis in the country. There are three tournaments in the Super Series calendar: Clay Court Championships, Sri Lanka Nationals and the Colombo Tennis Championship which will culminate in a year-end tournament called the Aces.

Some important things to note about the tournament:

The tournament will be conducted under the following categories; Men, Women, Boys, Girls, and Veterans with the Open events being Men’s Singles and Doubles, Women’s Singles and Doubles, and Mixed Doubles.

There will be four events for veterans. They are Over 35, Over 45, Over 55, and Over 65 years.

Matches scheduled on weekdays will commence at 2.30pm whilst weekend matches will begin at 8.00am.

Age Groups will start from Under 12, 14, 16, and 18 for both boys and girls.

“The competition will be conducted on 11 clay courts at the SLTA and we will be using ITF (International Tennis Federation) certified local umpires from the quarter-final onwards. The Tournament Referee will be Manoj Fonseka,” said SLTA Tournament Director Anupa Mathamagoda.

The finals of the Men’s and Women’s Singles are scheduled to take place on March 26.

Regarding the country’s health protocols, Mathamagoda had this to say, “Players and spectators have to follow the current health guidelines. There won’t be shaking of hands between players who are required to maintain social distance. Umpires will be wearing masks when they come down from the chair to speak to players. Spectators are also requested to wear masks and maintain social distancing.”

In addition, this year’s tournament promises more entertainment and food options than previous years with the addition of the Good Market and an Open Mic stage at the SLTA Carpark on the March 26 catering to all players, families and fans.