Tennis sisters Venus and Serena Williams are adamant 1999 is going to be their year as they start their season with an exhibition event in Hong Kong tomorrow. The talented American duo believe they are ready to make their mark in the four major tournaments, starting with this month's Australian Open.

"I think last year I did more losing than I did winning," said world number five Venus. "That's a trend that I have to change this year if I want to have a chance in the majors. I feel I'm ready to be competitive," the 18-year-old said. "I'm not going to just be playing tournaments for the sake of it, I'm going to be there to compete hard."

Williams' three career titles all came in 1998, but her dream of a first major ended in the semi-finals of the US Open when she was beaten by world number one Lindsay Davenport.

"Last year I had a couple of opportunities but they went by," she said. "But if I get the chances this year I'm going to take them. I'm confident about Australia."