Dow Corning Tennis Classic to Heat Up Midland Feb. 4-11
$75,000 Event Expected to Draw 15,000 Plus to Watch Women Pros Compete
January 28, 2007
By: Dave Rogers
The Dow Corning Tennis Classic is slated Feb. 4-11 at the Midland Community Tennis Center (MCTC) in Midland, Michigan.
Mike Woody is on a roll.
The slick bald cardio tennis advocate who energizes mid-Michigan tennis is approaching the crowning event of the year.
Girls from all over the world are seeking him out -- just for a chance to slam tennis balls at an indoor tennis facility in Midland, Michigan, while they could be sunning themselves in Hawaii or California.
Woody introduced the $75,000 USTA Pro Circuit Event, the Dow Corning Tennis Classic, at a news conference last Thursday that was notable for its gourmet sandwiches and strawberries and cream (ala Wimbledon) dessert as well as his inimitable phone interviews with players in far off lands.
The Classic is slated Feb. 4-11 at the Midland Community Tennis Center (MCTC), Midland. Best of all for area tennis fans, day matches are free.
The tournament is the first of seven $75,000 women's events on the circuit and, at age 19, is the longest running event on the tour, according to Mike Woody, executive director of both the MCTC and the tournament. Erin Mazurek is tournament director.
Qualifying rounds begin Sunday, Feb. 4, to narrow the field to 32 singles players and 16 doubles teams.
Last year's champ, Maria Emilia Salerni, ranked 213 in the world, has a foot injury and will not defend her title at Midland, said Woody.
However, 2004 titleist Jill Craybas, who recently competed in the Australian Open, will return, along with 2005 Midland winner Laura Granville of Chicago and two other top 100 players, Aleksandra Wozniak of Canada and Varvara Lepchenko of Ubekistan.
Outreach events make Midland not only the most education and community-minded stop on the tour but also help to draw players. Craybas, for one, said the chance to interact with young people learning tennis is one of the reasons she is returning to the Midland tourney.
Outreach events include a high school play day and numerous clinics given by the pros at area schools. Woody said the 12 outreach events reach an estimated 4,000 youth and adults.
For a complete list of events and schedules please access www.dowcorningtennisclassic.com. ###