===========
DFS CLASSIC (Edgbaston, Birmingham, England; grass; WTA Tier III)
=========== http://birmingham.lta.org.uk/

No, I am not there. And neither is Daniela, who withdrew with a
wrist-injury. :-(

This was such a wonderful tournament when I went in 2004 and 2005,
but this year it has been blighted by the withdrawals of Daniela,
Tatiana Golovin (ankle), Maria Kirilenko (knee?), Karolina Šprem
(illness) and Maria Elena Camerin (shoulder), the non-entries of
Jelena Dokic and Nicole Vaidišová, and disappointing weather so far.

The main attraction comes from a trio of Russians: Maria Sharapova
(the two-time defending champion), Vera Zvonarëva and Anna
Chakvetadze - with Sania Mirza and Marion Bartoli too. Unfortunately
Maria and Bepa entered too late for me to be able to change my
decision not to go. :-(

I'll certainly rue that decision if Bepa and Anna play each other in
the third round! Bepa was leading Anne Kremer 5-0 when rain ended
Tuesday's play; tomorrow Bepa has to defeat Kremer and then Martina
Suchá to reach the third round, and Anna has to beat Emmanuelle
Gagliardi to keep up her end of the bargain.

Here are some photos by "nigel - dani fan" of WTAworld.com, with
Martina Suchá looking particularly nice:
http://www.dankajenaj.me.uk/dfs_120606.htm

Vyzdravte sa skoro, Danielka!

--
Dr. Andrew Broad
http://geocities.com/andrewbroad/
http://geocities.com/andrewbroad/tennis/
http://geocities.com/andrewbroad/tennis/hantu/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/danielahantuchova/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/jeldani/