"Li Na & Friends" hosts in Wuhan



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China's first grand slam tennis champion is getting by with a little bit of help from her friends this weekend, as Li Na pulls double duty as the host and competitor for the "Li Na and Friends" exhibition in Wuhan. The central Chinese city is home for Li and Li is giving her hometown a show to remember.
Joining China's first grand slam winner, Li Na in Wuhan is: 14-time Grand Slam singles champion Pete Sampras, former world number one Carlos Moya and Germany Sabine Lisicki who knocked out Li in the second round of Wimbledon this year.
(From left to right) Former French Open champion Carlos Moya, 2011 Wimbledon
semifinalist and WTA Comeback Player of the Year Sabine Lisicki, 14-time Grand Slam champion Pete Sampras and Chinese French Open winner Li Na pose for photos in front
of the Yellow Crane Tower, or Huanghelou, a historic interest of Li's hometown Wuhan
in Central China December 18, 2011. An exhibition game named "Wuhan Tiandi 2011 Li!
Na & amp; Friends" was staged in Wuhan from December 17-18 featuring the above four
players. (Photo/Xinhua)
The event started with Li taking on Lisicki and this time around, the Chinese would get the better of her German rival. Li, taking the first set 6-3 and then backing up her opening set win with a hard fought tiebreak win in set two to take the win on home soil.
Li would then team up with Sampras to take on Lisicki and Moya, the players, putting on a show for the fans in attendance as the fun aspect of the exhibition was on full display.
The veterans Sampras and Moya, showing they still have plenty of game left, and it would be Li and Sampras ending up on the wining end of a tie-break.
Li said: "I had never thought that I could play with Sampras. As a partner of Sampras, it's very easy for me to have a happy win."
One of the Chinese tennis fan said:" I've been waiting to see Li Na since she claimed the championship in France. She inspired my enthusiasm for tennis. I am so proud of her. I love her."
Another Canadian tennis fan, Jacques St-Arnaud said:" The exhibition match-up was a wonderful idea. As Chinas first ever Grand Slam Champion, Li Na has become an inspiration not just for Chinese, but for all those around the world who love tennis. To be part of this great event was a thrill that I am sure all of us will remember."

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