Tennis: A dozen of the best get a sideline view in Auckland

By TERRY MADDAFORD

A dozen of the world's top women's players have made the trip to Auckland in vain.

The players, rated as high as 146 in WTA rankings, were expecting to be among those selected for the 32-strong draw for the ASB Classic qualifying tournament, which starts on Saturday.

Last year, players ranked down to 193 made the draw, but the tournament is attracting better players.

"We are blown away," tournament director Richard Palmer said yesterday.

"It is amazing to see so many players here who will not get to play."

Among those are former world No 1 junior Maria Emilia Salerni. She is ranked 172.

Included in the qualifying draw will be 2001 champion Meilen Tu, from the United States, who at 143, is 26th on the list of 28 players who are guaranteed a spot.

Also in qualifying are Australian No 3 Evie Dominikovic (131) who, surprisingly, was not given a wildcard into the Gold Coast tournament being played at the same time.

Others who must qualify are former finalist Tatiana Panova and regulars Kristina Brandi, Jill Craybas, Tara Snyder (once seeded), Alina Jidkova and Clarisa Fernandez (seeded last year after reaching a Grand Slam quarter-final in 2002).

Practise courts will be available at the North Harbour Tennis Centre from today, but plans to play the Heineken Open men's qualifying tournament there from Saturday week have been scrapped.

"It was our plan to play qualifying outdoors there," Heineken Open tournament director Graham Pearce said.

"But there have been problems with the surface on some of the courts, so we have brought qualifying back to the ASB Tennis Centre.

"There is not a major problem with the courts, but one which is not uncommon with new multi-layer, cushion-type surfaces. They are very sensitive to water.

"There was some bubbling and that can lead to the top coat peeling off. We made a final decision this week to stay away this year, but I'm sure we will play there next year to avoid any clash with the last day of the ASB Classic."

Pearce is not ruling out going indoors at Albany if he has to ensure the qualifying matches are completed on time.

Qualifying for the ASB Classic starts at 10am on Saturday (16 matches) and continues on Sunday (eight matches). The final four matches will be played on Monday.

Heineken Open qualifying will start at 9am on Saturday, January 10, and continue on the Sunday and Monday.

Pearce said interest in both tournaments was as strong as ever.



Interest is also strong for the John McEnroe-Pat Cash exhibition match on February 2.

"We have already surpassed our budgeted corporate box sales," Pearce said.

"There are still good seats available at $65 and $75, and a couple of boxes at $1040 plus GST, which includes food.

"We expect it will be a sellout."

Highest cut-off

* All the main draw direct entry players for the ASB Classic are in the world's top 70.

* It is the highest cut-off the event has had.

* Many players ranked in the top 200 will not get to play qualifying.

* The third-ranked Australian will play in Auckland - but only in qualifying.

* Former champion Meilen Tu has scraped into qualifying.

* Heineken Open qualifying has been moved from North Harbour because of court problems.