Wednesday, August 2 2006 17:21 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bangkok: World number one Roger Federer will miss the chance to defend his title in the Thailand Open this year but three other former Grand Slam winners will compete, event organizers said Tuesday.

The 550,000 dollar tournament will feature two-time Grand Slam winners Lleyton Hewitt from Australia and Russia's Marat Safin, as well as former French Open winner Juan Carlos Ferrero of Spain.

World number five James Blake from the United States, Cyprus's Marcos Baghdatis, Argentine Guillermo Coria and Scotland's Andrew Murray, who was last year's runner-up, will also complete.

"It is the strongest field ever since the tournament started," said Sathien Mongkoltham, advisor of the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand (LTAT).

Local player Paradorn Srichaphan, who slumped to 43rd in world ranking this year, will be hunting for his first title at home.

LTAT chairman Suwat Liptapanlop said the success of the Thailand Open has attracted more attention both from audiences and players themselves.

"I am pleased that more and more superstars are interested in competing here every year," he told reporters.

"Federer, an eight-time Grand Slam winner, plans to move to another outdoor tournament and free up the Thailand Open for other players," Sathien said.

"Even if there is no Federer this year, many experienced players and young rising stars are here to compete for the title," Sathien said.

The tournament runs from September 25-October 1.