Beijing started Thursday construction of the tennis venue for 2008 Olympic Games.

Located in the Olympic Green in the north of the Chinese capital, the tennis center covers an area of 16.68 hectares.

In line with the requirements of the Olympic Games, the venue will feature 10 competition courts along with six training courts with a seating capacity of 17,400.

The project is scheduled to be completed in the second half of 2007.

A total of 37 competition venues will be used for the 2008 Games, including 14 brand new, 14 existing structures that need renovation and upgrading, and nine temporary.

(Xinhua News Agency March 24, 2006)