Halep, Osaka to head good field

– World No 1 Simona Halep and US Open champion Naomi Osaka will headline a strong field in the women’s draw of the Sydney International, organisers said yesterday.

Eight of the world’s top 10 have signed on for the January 6-12 event as they use it to warm up for the Australian Open.

Also playing will be defending champion and Wimbledon winner Angelique Kerber, Sloane Stephens, Petra Kvitova, Karolina Pliskova, Kiki Bertens and Daria Kasatkina.

The only two members of the top 10 not taking part are Caroline Wozniacki and Elina Svitolina.

The men’s side is weaker with Britain’s No 14 Kyle Edmund the top seed. –

Sydney