Chinese Tennis Association Tour launched in Anning

The Chinese Tennis Association (CTA) Tour, a tennis competition series for Chinese domestic players, kicked off on Saturday in the city of Anning, southwest China's Yunnan province, as announced by the host body in the event's press conference on Sunday.

In the first round of the women's singles, world No. 29, and top seed, Wang Qiang defeated Xie Fuman in straight sets, 6-2, 6-1.

"I was very nervous at the beginning of the match. I still need time to adapt to the game and find a rhythm," Wang said after the match.

Besides Wang, top Chinese players Han Xinyun, Bai Yan and Zhang Zhizhen are among the 167 players who are competing in four disciplines, including men's and women's singles and doubles, at the clay court tournament.

Due to COVID-19 concerns, all matches in Anning will be played behind closed doors. All players, as well as coaches and other working staffs, are required to take nucleic acid tests and are confined to a sealed-off area.

The tournament will run through August 8.