Bringing the best to Beijing

The man tasked with boosting the China Open's international profile has pledged to attract more big names to the men's tournament.

The event attracts the top 47 women in the world to compete for the winner's 1,000 ranking points, but the men's competition has lagged behind, with stars such as Roger Federer frequently absent.

Thomas Ross, recently installed as executive vice-president and co-tournament director of the Beijing event, is determined to change that.

"This event is remarkable, with major stadiums, an annually strong player field, extraordinary global viewership and an excellent organization and team," said Ross, the former senior vice-president of US-based sports agency Octagon.

"Still, there remain a few final steps on the men's side that can get better, and we will get there. Over time, based upon our relationships and the quality of this event, the profile and prestige of the men's tournament can get to that (women's) level."

A major promotion since 2009, the women's tournament is classified as a 'premier mandatory' event on the WTA circuit, behind only the four Grand Slams. However, the men's competition has remained an ATP 500 event - the fourth tier of competition.

Ross is a former player agent and lists Chinese-American star Michael Chang, Australian former world No 1 Lleyton Hewitt and Swedish legend Stefan Edberg among his ex-clients.

He counts ATP tour president Chris Kermode as an acquaintance and plans to use his contacts in the sport to persuade more of the top men to play Beijing's National Tennis Center hardcourts in September/October.

"It took time for the women's event to grow into premier mandatory status," Ross said.

"It will take time, persuasion and relationships on the men's side, too. There's no reason why this event shouldn't be on the top list for men."

sunxiaochen@chinadaily.com.cn