ATP CEO MARK MILES TO VISIT ST. PETERSBURG OPEN 2004

ST. PETERSBURG, August 10 (RIA Novosti) - Mark Miles, CEO of the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), will visit the 10th international tennis championship, St. Petersburg Open 2004, and hold an ATP routine session there, Mikhail Rydnik, championship's director general, told RIA Novosti.

Mark Miles visits the championship for the first time, which points to the prestige of the competitions, according to Mr. Rydnik.

The St. Petersburg government is highly interested in this anniversary championship, the director general stressed. "The city backs this event and understands its importance," he said. St. Petersburg Governor Valentina Matviyenko heads the organizing committee and has already held two sessions, Mikhail Rydnik added.

St. Petersburg Vice Governor Sergei Tarasov confirmed that the city authorities would give overall support to the competitions, above all, to promote the events and maintain order. According to Mr. Tarasov, the PR campaign and the sale of tickets will be launched on September 1.

St. Petersburg Open 2004 will be held from October 25 to 31. The list of participants will be announced 42 days before its opening.