OZ OPEN INCREASES PRIZE MONEY

The 2009 Australian Open will offer 22 million Australian dollars (US$15.6 million) in prize money, with the men's and women's singles winners receiving an 18 percent increase.

Tournament officials said at the event launch Wednesday that the singles winners will receive A$1.62 million each, or about US$1.15 million each based on current exchange rates.

The Australian Open, the first Grand Slam tournament of next year, will be held from Jan. 19-Feb. 1.

AP