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Best and brightest compete in Champion's Cup

STORY TOOLS
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The Oliver Group Champion's Cup field is full for the March 7-11 tennis matches at the Players Club & Spa at Lely Resort.

Petr Korda is a new challenger this year in the Oliver Group Championship Cup at the Players Club & Spa at Lely Resort. The tourney is March 7-11.

Submitted photo

Petr Korda is a new challenger this year in the Oliver Group Championship Cup at the Players Club & Spa at Lely Resort. The tourney is March 7-11.

Joining big names, like John McEnroe, Jim Courier, Todd Martin and Mats Wilander, are Aaron Krickstein, Petr Korda, Jimmy Arias and Emilio Sanchez.

The tournament kicks off the 2007 Outback Champions Series.

"This year's already impressive field has been made even more challenging with the addition of, Korda, Sanchez, Krickstein and Arias," says Courier, co-founder of The Outback Champions Series.

All Outback Champions Series events feature round-robin formats, with two four-player divisions, resulting in the top player in each meeting in the title match. Second-place finishers in each division play in the third-place match.

The prize package totals $142,000. If there is an undefeated winner, he can earn $50,000, along with Outback Champions Series ranking points that will determine a year-end champion.

Courier won the Naples event last year, defeating Pat Cash 6-4, 7-6 (8) in the championship match. He also was the overall champion for the year.

Mats Wilander readies for return in the 2006 Outback Series Cup at the Players Club & Spa at Lely Resort. He returns this year to play in the Oliver Group Championship Cup, one stop on the Outback Series tour. The championship is March 7-11.

Submitted photo

Mats Wilander readies for return in the 2006 Outback Series Cup at the Players Club & Spa at Lely Resort. He returns this year to play in the Oliver Group Championship Cup, one stop on the Outback Series tour. The championship is March 7-11.

To be eligible to compete in the Outback Champions Series, players must have reached at least a Grand Slam singles final, been ranked in the top five in the world, or played singles on a championship Davis Cup team.

Korda, 39, reached a career-high ranking of No. 2 and was involved in four Grand Slam finals, two in singles and two in doubles. Korda is best known for winning the Australian Open in 1998. As a ATP player, Korda won 10 singles and 10 doubles titles.

Sanchez, 41, reached a career-high ranking of No. 7 in singles and No. 1 in doubles. He was a key member on Spain's Davis Cup team and on Spain's Silver-Medal-winning team in the 1988 Olympics.

Sanchez captured 15 singles titles and 50 doubles titles, including three at Grand Slam events.

Krickstein, 38, reached a career-high ranking of No. 6 and helped the United States to victory in the Davis Cup in 1990. Krickstein was a semifinalist at the U.S. Open in 1990 and the Australian Open in 1995, winning nine singles titles during his career.

Arias, 42, turned pro at age 16 and reached a career-high ranking of No. 5 in 1984. He enjoyed his best year in 1983 with four singles titles, including the U.S. Clay Court Championships and the Italian Open and reaching the semifinals of the U.S. Open. Arias holds five career titles, all in singles.

For tickets, starting at $15 each, call 877-332-8499, or go to www.championsseriestennis.com.

For hospitality packages, sponsorships and information call 649-7171.

The Oliver Group Champions Cup Schedule

Wednesday, March 7

Beginning at 7 p.m.

Wilander vs. Krickstein, followed by Courier vs. Arias.

Thursday, March 8

Beginning at 7 p.m.

Martin vs. Sanchez, followed by McEnroe vs. Arias.

Friday, March 9

Day session, beginning at 2 p.m.

Arias vs. Wilander, followed by Martin vs. Korda

Night session, beginning at 7 p.m.

Courier vs. Sanchez, followed McEnroe vs. Krickstein.

Saturday, March 10

Day session, beginning at 1:30 p.m.

Korda vs. Sanchez, followed by Courier vs. Martin.

Night session, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Aaron Krickstein vs. Arias, followed by McEnroe vs. Wilander.

Sunday, March 11

Day session, beginning at 1:30 p.m.

Third Place Match, followed by Championship Match.

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