Posted on: Tuesday, September 3, 2002
Big Island tournament gets Wimbledon titlist
By Ann Miller
Advertiser Staff Writer
Sandrine Testud will not defend her title, but the $140,000 Big Island Championships will return to the Hilton Waikoloa Village. The Sanex WTA event begins with qualifying this weekend. The final is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Sept. 15.
Former Wimbledon champion Conchita Martinez has already committed to play in the event, along with top 25 singles players Anne Kremer (20) and Lisa Raymond (25).
Testud won the inaugural Big Island Championships. She is ranked 12th, but retired after Wimbledon and is expecting her first child.
The event's return was in question last month because of a lack of sponsorship. Eric Kutner, the tournament's owner and director, said yesterday that the 2002 tournament is definitely on the schedule.
"A couple of companies like Holistica (health center at Hilton Hawaiian Village), and some private citizens have stepped in and given us hope," Kutner said.
A group called Tennis for Life Coalition formed when Kutner announced his financial troubles. It collected 20 individual sponsors, at $100 each, the first three days.
Kutner, who is still looking for sponsors, estimates the total cost of producing a WTA event at between $400,000 and $500,000.
Perhaps the most compelling player entered so far is Corina Morariu, who found out she had leukemia last year. Her illness is in remission and she lost to Serena Williams in the first round of the U.S. Open in her comeback to the game.
Others in the main draw of 32 include Barbara Schett (34), Elena Likhovtseva (38), Meilen Tu (48), Cara Black (65), Samantha Reeves (66), Jill Craybas (72) and Lilia Osterloh (110). Ashley Harkelroad qualified by winning two Challengers leading into the U.S. Open.
NCAA champion Bea Bielik received a wild card. Bielik lost to Justine Henin, a finalist on the Big Island last year, in the Open's third round.
The four qualifiers were decided yesterday. There is one more wild card available.
Qualifying matches start Saturday afternoon and the main draw begins Monday. From Sunday on, the first matches will begin at 10 a.m. For ticket and sponsorship information, contact Kutner at eric@tesports.com.
