TENNIS SUPERSTAR SHARAPOVA TO DEFEND 2006 DFS CLASSIC TITLE
Former world number one Maria Sharapova has officially confirmed
today that she will return to the Edgbaston Priory Club to
defend her title at the 25th DFS Classic between 10-18 June
2006
The former Wimbledon and two times defending DFS Classic
Champion has been hugely popular since first playing in Birmingham
in 2003 and heads an impressive field of world class female
tennis players this year. She also won the doubles title with
Maria Kirilenko in 2004.
2004 was a break through year for Sharapova after winning
her first grass court title at the DFS Classic in Birmingham.
Three weeks after claiming the title she went on to become
the lowest-seeded and second-youngest (17 years and two months)
ladies Wimbledon singles champion in the Open Era after beating
two time defending champion Serena Williams in the final at
SW19. Her form continued as she picked up further titles in
Seoul, Tokyo and the Season-Ending Championships in Los Angeles.
The 2005 season was highlighted by her claiming the number
one world ranking and a further three titles including defending
her DFS Classic title against Jelena Jankovic from Serbia
and Montenegro in the final. This year she has claimed one
title in Miami where she became the first Russian to win in
the tournament’s 18 year history.
Tournament Director Marjory Howie commented: “We are
very excited that Maria has chosen to come back to Birmingham
to defend her DFS Classic title. It is a fantastic opportunity
for fans to see a tennis superstar like Maria in action on
their doorstep in Birmingham.
She added: “I know Maria is excited to be defending
her title and it will no doubt help her preparation for Wimbledon
this year. We have an excellent field of players entered this
year and I’m sure the title will be hotly contested.”
The DFS Classic will be played at the Edgbaston Priory Club,
June 10-18 2006 This year’s qualifying event will run
between Saturday 10th and Sunday 11 June 2006 with the main
draw played between 12 and 18 June.
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