Daniela Hantuchova today revealed she would return to Eastbourne next month and then admitted: "I hope to win it this time."

The Slovak was beaten in three sets in last year's final by Svetlana Kuznetsova after serving for the title at 6-5 in the second set.

But she comes back for the Hastings Direct Ladies Championships at Devonshire Park from June 13 to 18 in determined mood.

The former world No.5 said: "It will be great to get back. I came very close to winning the tournament last year.

"I will definitely be trying to make that one more step forward and hopefully win it.

"It is just great preparation for Wimbledon the following week. Grass is my favourite surface and the courts at Eastbourne are always in fantastic shape."

Daniela is on a double revenge mission against Kutznetsova because the Russian defeated her 7-6 7-6 in the quarter-finals in Tokyo earlier this year.

She has reached the semi-finals in Doha, beaten by Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova. Daniela also made the last eight in Dubai before Serena Williams, another former All England Club title-holder, defeated her.

Daniela, 22, guided by Lewes coach Nigel Sears, is now world No.23.

She joins Kuznetsova, Belgian Justine Henin-Hardenne, the former world No.1, and Amelie Mauresmo in the draw.

Gavin Fletcher, joint tournament director with John Feaver, said: "It is already shaping up to be one of the most competitive fields in event's history.

"It is fantastic news that we are able to welcome back Daniela. She had wonderful championships last year."

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