Malisse to play in Chennai

Xavier Malisse, the defending champion, has confirmed his return to the Chennai Open today, to be played from December 31, the organisers said in a release here today.

The Belgian, who in 2007 won both the singles and doubles crown, said: “It feels great to be back to the place where it all began.

“I like the surface at Chennai and I am confident that I would be able to make a successful comeback and be able to defend my title.”

Known for his forehand and power, the Belgian last year set the Chennai crowd alight with some sparkling tennis all through the week and walked away with two titles.