"Selling 100.000 tickets was the aim we had set for 2008 and we'll make it", Verbeeck said. "It is true that we loose two big names today with Schnyder and Hantuchova, but such is sport. It proves that we are a true tournament and no exhibition event."

Verbeeck: 'We reached our goal of 100,000 spectators'

"Which is why I still hope to organize a WTA tournament in the future. We have a loyal and satisfied title spons0r who wants to keep on supporting a successful project. In Dubai we will have a meeting with WTA boss Larry Scott. We will bring along our debriefing of the Proximus Diamond Games 2008, and witness reports by the players. "

"Our ambition remains to organize a WTA tournament with a minimum of 3 top ten players and 6 to 7 players from the top 20. Of course including Justine Henin. Personally I am not that much in favour of an exhibition tournament, which focuses more on the show element. Time will tell. End of March we would know more already", Verbeeck concluded.