The tournament is part of the WTA’s “Roadmap” plan, and the initial agreement is for Bali to hold the championships for three years, starting November 3-9, 2009.
The $600,000 prize money event will feature the world’s best seven performers plus one wild card, who have not otherwise qualified for the Sony Ericsson Championship.
The new system allows players who fail to reach the primary season-ending Championships on the WTA Tour the opportunity to compete in the new secondary event.
“The Commonwealth Bank International Championships promises to showcase the Tour’s most exciting future stars and best performers in an international level Tour event,” said Larry Scott, CEO of the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour.
Bali has hosted a successful Sony Ericsson WTA Tour tournament since 2001 and the Commonwealth Bank International Championships will replace the regular season Bali event during the period 2009-2011.
