A decision on whether the Bangalore Open will remain a Tier II event will be taken in the next few months, WTA chief Larry Scott said on Tuesday.
The Bangalore Open, in its third year, was upgraded to Tier II this season which Scott said was on a trial basis as the WTA was finalising plans for restructuring the tour.
"Most of the elements of the strategic plans for the future of women's tennis are going to start in 2009, including some major changes to the tour calendar," the WTA CEO told a news conference.
Scott said the tour would reduce the number of premier tournaments --- Tier I and Tier II categories --- from 25 to 20 as well as the minimum number of the tournaments the players need to play (outside the majors) from 12 to 10 next season.
"This is to provide for a healthier and more popular women's tennis calendar. The season will be short so that the players have a longish off-season," he said.
Scott said India was a huge market for the WTA, a priority for the future, but that the facilities in Bangalore needed to be better.
"As it is, the facilities at this venue are minimally adequate," Scott said.
"Our decision (over whether to keep the Bangalore Open as a tier II event) will also take the long-term aspect into consideration and I understand that there are plans for a new venue."
