ASB Classic qualifying wildcards confirmed

PhotosportKairangi Vano

The four qualifying wildcards for the 2009 ASB Classic have been confirmed with two New Zealanders making the cut.

Auckland's Sacha Jones, ranked at 319, is currently at her Florida base and has declined the offer of a main draw spot.

"I have decided that I want to continue working on my game and finish my six week strength and conditioning block as I really feel it will set me up for 2009," says Jones.

Canterbury's Ellen Barry, currently ranked 320, is unable to accept a wildcard as she is still recovering from wrist surgery.

Both players were recipients of main draw wildcards in 2008.

Di Hollands, who has dominated the recent New Zealand Money Tournaments, has earnt herself an automatic ASB Classic wildcard into qualifying.

Hollands, 25, has played for the New Zealand Fed Cup team in the past and is looking towards playing a full year on the international circuit in 2009.

Also gaining a place in the January 3-4 qualifying tournament is 19-year-old Aucklander Kairangi Vano who has a current WTA ranking of 686 and is intending to compete in 2009 on the professional tour.

Dutchwoman, Michaella Krajieck who had a year disrupted by injuries is on the comeback and is the recipient of one of the four qualifying wildcards. She has a current WTA ranking of 219.

The fourth wildcard goes to Croatian 17-year-old Petra Matic who is rated as one of the world's young players to watch.

Her best result in WTA play in 2008 was reaching the quarters at the Potoroz tournament in Slovenia and won a US$75,000 ITF tournament as well.