( dpa )- With speculation growing that cash- flush Asian entities are considering a bid to move or rotate the Australian Open into the region, fans in Shanghai will get a close look at the on-court action on the final weekend.
The Chinese commercial capital, population 16 million, is one of three sites that will broadcast giant-screen images from the Open, along with Sydney and Melbourne itself.
The Shanghai site, in the high-traffic Century Square, Nanjing Road pedestrian mall, will include live entertainment before and between matches and is expected to attract 1 million spectators from Friday through Sunday's men's final.
"There is just so much interest in our event in Asia, we thought the time was right for such a venture," Tennis Australia boss Steve Wood said.
As well as Australian Open finals matches on the big screen, the Shanghai entertainment will include live bands, hip-hop dancers and cheering squads.