http://www.aucklandtennis.co.nz/asb_bank_classic/index.php

Wildcard For Russian
30 December 2004

Russian, Lina Krasnoroutskaya has been given the second main draw wildcard for the ASB Classic featuring the EziBuy singles and doubles starting this Monday January 3.

Krasnoroutskaya, 20 is currently ranked at 141 in the world but has been as high as 25 a year ago before having a season devastated with injuries such as wrist sprain.

Despite her injuries Krasnoroutskaya still managed to make the third round of the Australian Open and the semis of s'Hertogenbosch beating Jelena Jankovic before losing to Mary Pierce.

The highlight of the Russian's career so far was in 2000 where as a 17-year-old she made the quarters of Roland Garros (one of the youngest players ever to do so).

She has represented Russia in Fed Cup and has been ranked as high as 22 in the world in doubles.

In 1999 Kransnoroutskaya was named the ITF Junior World Champion and won US Open junior title the same year.

She achieved her career-best singles win at the Canadian Open in 2003 beating the then world No 1 Kim Clijsters en route to her first-ever singles final becoming the first Russian in a Tier 1 event final for two years.

'Lina is a talented player who I believe could bring something special to the ASB Classic, this year and in the future. She has a proven record on the WTA Tour having made the quarters of a Grand Slam at age 17 plus she has been ranked as high as 25,' said ASB Classic tournament director, Richard Palmer.

The other main draw singles wildcard has already been granted to Kiwi, Marina Erakovic.

New Zealand No 1 Shelley Stephens who is currently ranked at 375 receives a singles wildcard into the qualifying draw as does Aucklander Tracey O'Connor.

The main draw commences Monday January 3, 2005 with the finals scheduled for Saturday January 8

 1R (WC) Lina Krasnoroutskaya(RUS) def Aniko Kapros(HUN) 7-6(5) 6-1