Davenport, Kuznetsova Lead Favorites at WTA Bali

Last week at the US Open, Davenport was evasive as to whether she would play a few events in Asia and Europe to wrap up 2006 before calling it a career, or whether she would make an appearance in Australia in January 2007 to play one final year.

Other stars attracted to Bali this week are No. 2 seed Patty Schnyder, fast-rising Serb Ana Ivanovic, and willowy Daniela Hantuchova. From there the seedings fall off the table with No. 6 Marion Bartoli, No. 7 Maria Elena Camerin, and No. 8 Severine Bremond.

Late pull-outs were Anna-Lena Groenefeld (shoulder), Elena Likhovtseva (ankle), Jelena Jankovic (back), and Vera Zvonareva ("schedule change").

Kuznetsova and Schnyder receive first-round byes, while Davenport opens against Russian Galina Voskoboeva, ranked outside the Top 50 on the WTA Tour Rankings.

While Bali officials spread the appearance wealth to attract a solid field of marquee players, the depth at the Wismilak International won't faze the contenders, with Japan's No. 234-ranked Junri Namigata receiving direct entry into the main draw.

Davenport is the defending champion at Bali, last year defeating Francesca Schiavone in the final 6-2, 6-4.