Pioline for Gold Flake Open

Cedric Pioline, the French tennis ace who enthralled fans in Madras last year, has confirmed that he will return to play in Gold Flake Open 2001.

Currently 13th on the ATP ranking, Pioline was a semi-finalist in the last edition of the tournament and this year joins Swede Magnus Norman for the annual tennis extravaganza at Nungambakkam Stadium, Madras, from January 1 to 7.

The second seed at Gold Flake Open 2000, Pioline's performance last year, when he played two outstanding matches -- defeating Italian Davide Sanguinetti in the quarter-finals, and then losing to German Markus Hantschk in the semis, both matches having final set tie-breaks -- is etched in the memories of tennis fans. He is also equally remembered for stopping Indian ace Leander Paes in the pre-quarters in front of home crowd.

Tournament director Sheila Maniam announced on Friday that she is very pleased the French player has accepted the tournament's invitation. "When Cedric was here for the last Gold Flake Open he proved very popular with the fans," she said.

"In a way I think the tennis fans that came to watch him play were able to identify with his style of game. Sure he has incredible power in his game but the way he stroked the ball reminded the fans of the way the great Indian players of the past played."

"I remember speaking to Cedric when he was here and he told me how much he had enjoyed the week and the support he received. He did laugh when he added that the only match he didn't get much support was when he beat Leander Paes in the second round. It will be very nice to have Cedric back at Nungambakkam Stadium," she added.

Twice a runner-up at Grand Slams, Wimbledon and the US Open, Pioline has four titles to his credit and has been a part of the French Davis Cup team.