Olympic champion Serena Williams beat runner-up at London 20102 Maria Sharapova in the final of the Istanbul 2012 Women's Tennis Association (WTA) Championships, a tournament that was as much to do with Istanbul's credentials for showcasing major sports events as it was for putting on the tournament itself.

The world's top eight women's tennis players gathered in Istanbul's Sinan Erdem Dome, which is Europe's third largest multipurpose indoor venue and the proposed venue for the Olympic basketball at the 2020 Games if Turkey's bid is successful.

Two weeks ago, Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods competed at the Turkish Airlines World Golf Final.

With the Intercontinental Istanbul Eurasia Marathon and the FINA World Swimming Championships on the horizon, Istanbul officials believe they are more than living up to expectations.

"Istanbul continues to prove itself as a trusted host city for international sporting events," said Istanbul 2020's bid leader, Hasan Arat.

"This year alone, the city has hosted numerous major sporting competitions – demonstrating that it is a city that is not only passionate about sport, but one with proven experience in providing the optimal athletic conditions for Olympic-standard athletes to perform."

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