Daniela Hantuchova wins her second PTT Pattaya Open title at Dusit Thani Pattaya

After an exhilarating three-hour final match that drew tennis fans to the courts of Dusit Thani Pattaya on 12 February, Slovak Daniela Hantuchova successfully defended her title with a 6-7, 6-3, 6-3 victory over Russian Maria Kirilenko. Both players told reporters that they were pleased with their performances and would like to return next year. This year's PTT Pattaya Open was its 21st with Dusit Thani Pattaya, the event's official hotel.

The line-up of tennis stars included world number eight Vera Zvonareva of Russia (who came fresh from her Australian Open doubles victory), Thailand's Tamarine Tanasugarn, Romanian Sorana Cirstea, and India's Sania Mirza, who won the doubles final with Australian Anastasia Rodionova against Taiwanese pair Chan Hao-Ching and Chan Yung-Jan.

The week-long event also gave players the opportunity to experience some Thai culture and hospitality as extended by the staff and management of Dusit Thani Pattaya. When not on the courts, WTA players engaged themselves in other activities, including an eco-friendly event held at the hotel's Chaba Beach.

Mr Chatchawal Supachayanont congratulates Daniela Hantuchova from Slovakia, this year's PTT Pattaya Open champion, after the final match on 12 February	Tamarine Tanasugarn (centre) and Vera Zvonareva (right) distribute toys and clothing to underprivileged children who also enjoyed a delicious meal by the sea
Mr Ittiphol Khunplome (right), mayor of Pattaya City, joins tennis players at the resort's Chaba Beach during a sand reclamation event	Sorana Cirstea (third from left), Vera Zvonareva (fifth from right) and Maria Kirilenko (fourth from right) onstage with Pattaya City VIPs and sponsors during the pre-tournament press conference at the Napalai Ballroom, Dusit Thani Pattaya