The China Open Organizing Committee says they are fully prepared for the upcoming event after five months of hard work, and hopes their first ever international tennis tournament can eventually match the four major Grand Slams.

Vice Director of the organizing committee Mo Dawei says they have invited Beijing's teachers to attend the tournament for free when it opens on Friday, which is also Teachers' Day.

He said in a press conference that there will be a big opening ceremony on Friday and special guests will also attend the ceremony.

Secretary-General of the organizing committee Zhang Xiaoning says the committee attaches greater importance to service than the facilities.

He says they have recruited some 120 referees from both home and abroad and hundreds of volunteers.

Ironically, a small technical accident occurred during the press conference and a pop song was played while Zhang Xiaoning was giving a speech.

Mo Dawei mockingly said that there is a long way to go before the China Open becomes the fifth Grand Slam tournament.

About 400 Chinese reporters and dozens of foreign media services have registered to cover the event.

China Open Tournament Director Lincoln Venancio says ticket sales are going well despite heavy spectator interest in the quarter-final, semi-final and the final matches.

(CRI September 9, 2004)