MUMBAI, Oct 23 (Reuters) - Spanish world number two Rafael Nadal is returning to India to start his 2008 season at the Chennai Open, organisers said on Tuesday.

The $416,000 ATP event will be played in the southern Indian city from Dec 31 to Jan. 6 and Nadal will be competing at the event for the third time in the five years.

The 21-year-old three-times French Open champion participated in the 2004 edition as a rookie, losing in the first round of the singles before winning the doubles with compatriot Tommy Robredo .

This year, he was beaten in the semi-finals by eventual winner Xavier Malisse of Belgium and was finalist in doubles with fellow Spaniard Bartolome Salva-Vidal .