OZ PURSE INCREASE

The global financial crisis has provided an unlikely windfall for the winners and runners-up at this year's Australian Open with organisers deciding to offer a hefty increase in prize money.

Australian Open officials announced on Saturday they were increasing total prize money for the event to A$23.4 million (US$15.7 million), an increase of 12.3 per cent on last year, with the bulk going to the singles finalists.

Both singles champions will receive a record A$2 million while the runners-up will each pocket A$1 million [$1 = $1.5A].