Hantuchova, the world’s number nine, and Dementieva, ranked 11, will join other top-ranked female players including Russia’s Maria Sharapova, the world’s number five, and the number eight, American Venus Williams.

World number four Ana Ivanovic, from Serbia, and world number six Anna Chakvetadze, also from Russia, will also be playing at the JB Group Classic on January 2-5.

‘Apart from the Grand Slams you won’t find other tournaments that can bring six of the World’s top eleven to an event with a field of just eight,’ said Ian Wade, President of the Hong Kong Tennis Patrons’ Association.

Denmark’s Caroline Wozniacki and China’s number two player Peng Shuai are also included.

Last year’s final was won by now-retired Belgian Kim Clijsters, who beat Sharapova in the final.