Seven top 10 players in World Team Cup

Seven of the top 10 players in the ATP Entry System rankings will take part in the World Team Cup starting on Sunday, organisers said on Friday.

Russian Marat Safin and American Pete Sampras, respectively second and fourth in the latest rankings released on Monday, head a strong field for the event being played on the clay courts of Duesseldorf from May 20 to 26.

Russian Yevgeny Kafelnikov, Spain's Juan Carlos Ferrero, Australians Lleyton Hewitt and Patrick Rafter and Swede Magnus Norman are also playing in the traditional warm-up for the French Open starting on May 28.

Last year's losing finalists Russia have been drawn in the same group as the United States, France and Argentina while Australia, Spain, Sweden and Germany compete in the other section.

Last year's winners Slovakia have failed to qualify.

Russia will play France on Sunday when the United States take on Argentina.

Australia meet Spain and Sweden will face Germany on Monday.