ORGANISED BY: Khurda District Tennis Association
DESCRIPTION:
*     Odisha Open is regarded as the second biggest domestic tennis tournament of the state.
*     The four-day tournament, carrying a total prize fund of Rs 80,000, would feature competition in six events _  men`s singles and open doubles, mixed doubles and veteran doubles for above 40, 50 and 60 age groups.
*     Giving importance to veteran players, KDTA has increased the number of events for them from two to three. But there is no singles or doubles event for women.
*     Men`s singles champion would be richer by Rs 18,000, which includes a special cash award of Rs 10,000.
*     He would also receive a running trophy, which is being instituted in the memory of tennis player Major Sandeep Mohapatra, who died in a road accident in March this year.
*     With a majority of the leading players not available for various reasons, lesser lights would get a chance win the men`s singles crown.
*     Among the top names, defending champion Chinmay Pradhan is leaving to compete in an ITF tournament in Delhi.
*     Strong contender Ansu Kumar Bhuyan is busy preparing for his Plus Two examinations, while promising talent Avilash Mishra has left to participate in the Under-18 Nationals at Pune.
*     In their absence, experienced campaigner Satirtha Patnaik, who is also a dentist, seems to have the best chance of capturing the singles crown.
*     But the men`s open doubles event is expected to witness exciting contest with several young and experienced combinations gunning for the title.
*     However, the mixed doubles event would have a depleted field with hardly any girl now a days playing tennis in the state.