One of the best female tennis players of recent times has confirmed her appearance for the ASB Classic featuring the Sovereign singles and doubles.  Three-time Grand Slam winner Lindsay Davenport will play in the 2008 ASB Classic becoming the first player in the history of the event ot have ever been ranked No. 1 in the world, a position she held for 54 weeks.  For more information go to www.asbclassic.co.nz

Croatian Mario Ancic, the 2006 Heineken Open finalist and a former top-10 ranked player who reached a high of No. 7 in July 2006 has confirmed he will play at January’s Heineken Open featuring the Sovereign singles and doubles.  The 23-year-old has a current ATP entry ranking of 86 and will be granted a wildcard if required by Heineken Open Tournament Director, Graham Pearce.  For more information go to www.heinekenopen.co.nz

Rubin Statham battled long and hard, but to no avail, in his first round match at the ATP Challenger in Caloundra, Australia. Rubin went down 6-4 5-7 7-6 to Andrew Coelho (Aus) and, to make matters worse, lost his doubles later in the day.

GD Jones won two rounds in qualifying at the ATP Challenger tournament at Puebla, Mexico but was beaten in the final round by top seed Adam Fass (USA). GD went down 6-0 6-2 to the American who has been drawn to meet Mariano Puerta from Argentina in the first round of the main draw. The South American is returning to tournament play after a lengthy drugs ban.

Shona Lee won a close three set match against Kelly Anderson (RSA) but lost 2-6 6-2 7-5 to Stefania Boffa from Switzerland in the last round of qualifying at the ITF Women’s Circuit tournament at Mount Gambier, Australia.

GD Jones lost 6-3 6-2 to fifth seed Bruno Rodriguez (Mex) at a Futures tournament in Queretaro, Mexico.  GD is playing a Challenger event this week.

GD Jones beat Luis-Manuel Flores (Mex) 6-3 6-1 in the first round of a Futures tournament at Queretaro, Mexico.  GD plays fifth seed Bruno Rodriguez (Mex) next.