Playing in paradise

Bali is a minor stop on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour. Other tournaments offer more prize money, more ranking points and more prestige.

But it's a winner in other ways. Players travel from far and wide to play in the beautiful location of Nusa Dua for the Commonwealth Bank Tennis Classic.

Chasing forehands and the top prize of US$36,000 are not their only goal. Before they take to the court, they can relax with a host of activities, from learning how to make sushi to surfing.

There will be only one player who lifts the trophy on Sunday. But for the rest of the players, even a bad day in paradise is better than most.

-- Text by Bruce Emond, photos by J. Adiguna/The Jakarta Post