Dusseldorf - German organizers have expressed their delight that players can earn world ranking points at the World Team Cup tournament from next year onwards.

"This one of the best news in the tournament's 32-year history, it is like an early Christmas present," said tournament director Dietloff von Arnim on Monday night.

The ATP has agreed that players at the team event can earn up to 250 points each for the singles and doubles rankings. The move was expected as points will also awarded in the Davis Cup.

The next World Team Cup with eight nations is scheduled for May 17-23, 2009. (dpa)