Tennis serves up holiday excitement

Instead of joining the crowds that packed into tourist destinations, many Beijingers and others from across the country watched the China Open in the capital, thanks to the country's growing enthusiasm for the sport.

"It has become an annual festival that people don't have to remind themselves about anymore. While some people opt to travel, fans will surely stay for the tennis gala," said Pu Cunxin, a Chinese actor and frequent attendee of the event.

With record prize money of $9.5 million for the men's and women's events this year - more than eight times what was offered in 2004 when the event debuted - its lineup is the most prestigious among events in Asia, including four of the five top women's players and two of the men's top five.