Maria Sharapova and Venus Williams will be up against each other in the Hua Hin Centennial Invitation tennis match next year.

This event is being organised by the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand under the patronage of His Majesty the King and the city of Hua Hin.

The Hua Hin Centennial Invitation will be held at Centennial Park, Hua Hin on Saturday 2 January 2010 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the seaside resort and usher in the New Year in exciting fashion with two of the most popular tennis players in the world.

Maria Sharapova and Venus Williams have been two of the most dominant presences in women's tennis for the last decade.

Between them they have won an amazing 10 Grand Slam, and 61 WTA, singles titles. Their rivalry is intense and their head-to-head record stands at three wins each.

Maria will be celebrating New Year's Eve at the new InterContinental Resort, Hua Hin and said, "I am delighted to be able to spend my New Year in Hua Hin, Thailand. I am sure it will be an exciting time and I am looking forward to competing in the Centennial Invitation."

Venus is also looking forward to competing in Thailand again. "I have very fond memories of my previous visits to Thailand and am really looking forward to returning for the Centennial Invitation match in Hua Hin," she said.

President of the Lawn Tennis Association, Mr. Suwat Lipatapanlop said he was delighted that the two tennis superstars had chosen to start their new year in Thailand.

"Maria and Venus are amazing players and fantastic people, and they were delighted to have the opportunity to return to Thailand to play for the Thai people and celebrate the new year in Hua Hin," Khun Suwat added.

After their singles match, Maria and Venus will combine with local stars Paradorn Srichaphan and Danai Udomchoke for a set of mixed doubles.