Priory keeps pre-Wimbledon event

The leading players in women's tennis will be returning to the Edgbaston Priory Club in 2010 to take part in the AEGON Classic tournament.
It was feared that the event would be leaving Birmingham as part of the new British Tennis Series. sports news
But the Lawn Tennis Association has agreed a one-year deal, with a view to the club improving facilities in the hope of securing a longer contract.
Slovakia's Magdalena Rybarikova won the Classic title in 2009.
"The British Tennis Series events are a key opportunity for people to see top international tennis in Britain," said the LTA's chief executive Roger Draper. online sports
We are at an exciting stage of the development of Edgbaston Priory
Edgbaston Priory Club chief executive Robert Bray
"We are delighted to be taking the AEGON Classic back to Edgbaston Priory and Birmingham in 2010."
The LTA, the club and Birmingham City Council are to have discussions on how best to develop the tournament site and the event in the future.
"We have a long tradition of hosting international tennis and we are delighted to have reached an agreement with the LTA," said Edgbaston Priory Club chief executive Robert Bray.
"We are at an exciting stage of the development of Edgbaston Priory and we look forward to exploring further with the LTA and the City Council the ways in which we can provide a suitable venue for future events."
The Priory has been hosting a pre-Wimbledon event since 1982, with past winners including Billie Jean King, Martina Navratilova and Maria Sharapova. Read more........