Stars align for international

ENTRIES for the Mildura Grand Tennis International have closed with strong fields nominating in the men’s and women’s competitions.

Reigning men’s singles title holder Dayne Kelly is the No.1 seed and will be hoping for a fourth successive title.

Kelly is ranked 336 in the world and over the years has become a crowd favourite with the Sunraysia locals.

Runner-up in this year’s Australian Open men’s doubles final Luke Saville has also nominated.

Saville is no stranger to the Mildura Lawn Tennis Club, having played in the Mildura Grand Tennis International on a number of occasions and is the No.2 seed on the list of acceptances.

Hoping to go one better than last year is Great Britian’s Brydan Klein, who was defeated in the final by Kelly.

Klein, who is a grass-court specialist, will pose one of the biggest threats to Kelly.

Japanese pair Rio Noguchi and Makoto Ochi, along with up-and-coming young Australian player Matthew Romios, will also be contenders.

In the women’s event, Australia’s Arina Rodionova heads a strong list of players.

Rodionova is ranked inside the top 150 in the world and will be favourite to take out this year’s tournament.

Another Aussie hopeful is last year’s runner-up Kaylah McPhee, who has continued her climb up the world rankings and sits at 235.

Mildura Grand Tennis International regular Sara Tomic is also heading back to Sunraysia for another tilt at glory.

Tomic, who has a world ranking of 852, will have to go through qualifying, which starts on March 1.

Main draw matches get under way on March 3 and entry for spectators to this year’s Mildura Grand Tennis International is free.

Anyone who is interested in more information about this year’s event can visit the MLTC website.