KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 20 2014 Two Japanese women tennis players, Kurumi Nara and Misaki Doi have confirmed their participation in the 2015 BMW Malaysian Open to be held at the Royal Selangor Golf Club from March 2 to 8. 

“The duo have been regular fixtures in the competition since 2011 but often find themselves struggling to make the later rounds.  

“Yet with age on their side, the 2015 BMW Malaysian Open offers a chance for spectators to catch the high rising Nara and Doi in action,” said the organiser in a statement today.

Nara, 23, women singles world number 42, is the ninth Japanese player to win a WTA title after Kazuko Sawamatsu, Etsuko Inoue, Kumiko Okamoto, Naoko Sawamatsu, Kimiko Date-Krumm, Mana Endo, Ai Sugiyama and Akiko Morigami.  Apart from winning her first title last year, Nara also went past the first round of all four Grand Slams in 2014 and reached a career high world No.32 in August.

Left-handed Doi, 24, turned professional in December 2008 and her first breakthrough was in 2011 when she incredibly reached the third round.

“She has consistently featured in most Grand Slams since but failed to progress into the later rounds. Doi’s only WTA title came from her partnership with Ukrainian Elina Svitolina at the Istanbul Cup last July,” said the statement. — Bernama