Tennis: Women's Classic seeks dispensation

ASB Classic tournament director Richard Palmer is hoping to avoid a rule that will preclude any top 10 ranked tennis players from playing in Auckland next summer.

The WTA is pushing ahead with its 'Road Map 2010' programme, introduced after last year's US Open.

One of the new rules does not allow tier-four tournaments like Auckland access to to the world's top players.

The Classic received a dispensation last year, due to the rule coming in after negotiations had begun with the likes of Nadia Petrova.

Palmer says they have asked the WTA to waive the rule again for next summer's Classic, and he believes they have a good case for dispensation, based on the timing of the tournament just before the Australian Open, and the fact they are not competing with any tier-one or -two tournaments.

Palmer says the perception for sponsors and public changes if the tournament can not chase top 10 ranked players.

He expects a decision to be made by late June or early July.

- NEWSTALK ZB