Should London Really Be the Master?

This year's Masters Cup is to be held in Lodnon for the first time. The Masters Cup pits the best eight players in the world against each other, and it is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious events in men's tennis.

While the worlds best three or four players have usually booked their place in the Masters Cup, now the ATP World Tour Final, well in advance, the last few spots are usually decided just a few weeks before competition.

The jostling for the last few positions in the event makes for compelling viewing for the fans as the tennis season draws to a close.

Since 2005, the Masters Cup Finals have been staged in Shanghai.

The event has received support and enjoyed some tremendous matches, the best of them perhaps being the 2005 final, in which David Nalbandian came back from two sets to love to defeat the then-world No. 1 Roger Federer.

Prior to having the event in Shanghai, Houston played host to the Masters Cup.

It was nice to see that an event with such prestige was moved to give those who would not otherwise get the chance to see some top-quality action close up.

Sydney, Australia also has held the Masters Cup, giving fans who did not get the opportunity to get to the Australian Open a chance to witness some top-class tennis.

Having considered all these factors, I find it very difficult to see the logic behind moving the event to London this year.

In fact, the tournament will be in London until 2013.

London already holds Wimbledon, the biggest tournament of them all.

While there is no doubt that the atmosphere at Wimbledon is truly unique and special, to my mind the Masters Cup should not be in London.

If it was going to be hosted in the UK, then why not a city such as Birmingham, or even somewhere in Scotland or Wales.

Why not give those loyal fans in other cities and other parts of the country the opportunity to see their favorite stars.

In a Global sense, hosting the Masters Cup in Shanghai was an excellent move, holding the tournament in a country that otherwise does not host any top-class tennis.

And it served to promote the game in the far east, but by heading to London, I can't help but feel that the powers that be have missed an opportunity.