PRESS RELEASE

Royal Cliff sets new Thailand’s ITF Tennis Masters attendance record by attracting over 200 players from across the globe

November 2023

Pattaya, Thailand – The 6th edition of the ITF MT700 Tennis Masters Championship was successfully held at Fitz Club – Racquets, Health and Fitness. Sponsored by AssetWise Public Company Limited and Carabao Group Public Company Limited, the tournament brought together an outstanding lineup of over 200 Tennis players from over 20 countries exceeding all ITF Masters attendance record held in Thailand. The oldest competitor was 80 years old. New and returning athletes, lively spectators and great sportsmanship made the tournament another smashing blockbuster event!

The MT700 ITF tournament is considered the highest category in the Asia Pacific region and offers the highest level of elite international competition. The event organized by Mr. Vitanart Vathanakul, the CEO of Royal Cliff Hotels Group aims to allow more senior players the opportunity to stay active, improve their game, get more socially connected and help reinforce Pattaya and Thailand’s reputation as a premier sports and wellness destination, with a particular focus on tennis.

Highlights of the tournament included the Men’s 35+ Singles between Mr. Maxim Khamutov of Russian, a dark horse in the competition and Mr. Shrikant Kumawat, top seed in the category. Mr. Maxim exhibited amazing finesse to outpower the number 1 seed and won the championship. The most thrilling match was between Mr. Vitanart Vathanakul and Mr. Prakash Aswani. Despite sustaining an injury, Mr. Vitanart displayed remarkable resilience and determination, ultimately triumphing after a grueling 4-hour battle. In the Men’s Singles 60+ category, Mr. Rashid Ahmad Malik, a former Davis Cup Captain from Pakistan, boasting an undefeated record in over 70 matches, secured an effortless 6-1, 6-1 victory against the world’s former second-ranked ITF player, Mr. Simon Arms. 

The award ceremony featured the esteemed Chief Human Resource Officer of AssetWise Public Company Limited as a distinguished guest. Participants were treated to complimentary massages, courtesy of AssetWise, enhancing their relaxation experience. A diverse array of food and drink choices were available, alongside state-of-the-art sports amenities for exercise, relaxation, and socializing. One of the highlights of the event was the exceptional BBQ Buffet on the tournament’s second evening, where tennis players, their families, and friends convened to savor an array of exquisite dishes. This gathering was further enlivened by the live broadcast of the Cricket World Cup final 2023 between Australia and India.

Royal Cliff Hotels Group manages four luxury properties, offering domestic and international tourists a sublime holiday experience. The group consistently contributes positively to its communities and aims to enhance the recreational experiences of the senior demographic. This is achieved through fostering friendly competitions that bolster both physical and mental health via sports. In collaboration with AssetWise Public Company Limited and Carabao Group, Royal Cliff champions the cause of senior athletes, promoting healthy, active lifestyles and leveraging its top-tier facilities to advocate for physical fitness at various levels. Through these sporting endeavors, they consistently uplift many, offering them opportunities for enjoyment, building friendships, and fostering a lifelong passion for sports.

About Fitz Club- Racquets, Health & Fitness

Fitz Club – Racquets, Health & Fitness, an elite sports center under the Royal Cliff banner, has been a preferred choice for renowned ATP players such as Nikolay Davydenko, Mikhail Youzhny, Dmitry Tursunov, Denis Istomin, among others. These players have previously conducted tennis camps at this facility. With tennis courts on par with those at the Australian Open, Fitz Club is a go-to for top-tier players aiming to acclimate themselves to grand slam tournament conditions. Besides tennis, the club boasts a rich history of hosting an array of sports events, encompassing both Junior and Senior Tennis contests, Squash championships, and Table Tennis duels.

For more information on the Royal Cliff Hotels Group and Fitz Club, please visit www.royalcliff.com and www.facebook.com/fitzclub

Photo Caption: Mr. Vitanart Vathanakul, CEO of Royal Cliff Hotels Group and Mrs. Jariya Dansompong, Senior Vice President of Marketing of AssetWise Public Company Limited conducted the opening ceremony of the MT700 ITF AssetWise Tennis Masters Championship.
Photo Caption: Mr. Vitanart Vathanakul, CEO of Royal Cliff Hotels Group bravely fought to win the match in 4 hours despite being severely injured. 
Photo Caption: Mr. Rashid Ahmad Malik from Pakistan, a previous Davis Cup Captain who has a 100%-win rate of over 70 matches won comfortably against Mr. Simon Arms, a former ITF Masters World number 2 in the Men’s Singles 60+.
Photo Caption: The players enjoy a free relaxing massage sponsored by AssetWise Public Company Limited.
Photo Caption: Mr. Saraphong Tuwapalangkul, the Chief Human Resource Officer of AssetWise Public Company Limited celebrates with the winners and runners-up of the MT700 ITF AssetWise Tennis Masters Championship at the Fitz Club – Racquets, Health and Fitness.
Royal Cliff sets new Thailand’s ITF Tennis Masters attendance record by attracting over 200 players from across the globe