Teenager Lauren Herring's bid to gain a spot in RBC Bank Women’s
Challenger, the professional tennis tournament, in Raleigh this week
ended in the second round of qualifying on Monday.
The 16-year-old from Greenville made a challenge but was eliminated in
three sets by Tiffany Welford of Australia, 6-3, 4-6, 6-1, on the clay
courts at the North Hills Club.
Another area contender will make her debut today. Green Hope High
School junior Melissa Kandinata, 15, who is the local wild-card
recipient in the main draw, will play in her first-round match at 1
p.m. against Tetiana Luzhanska of Ukraine. Kandinata is ranked No. 83
nationally and No. 4 in North Carolina in the 18-and-under age group.
The tournament, which has a $50,000 prize purse, runs through Sunday.
It's a great chance for area recreational players to learn from
watching pros in action. For tickets, go to the event Web site or or call 919-781-0468.
Got more recreational sports news?
Report your own recreational sports news on the free community edition of Play!
Or post a photo of your team or an outstanding individual competitor.
You'll also find an extensive Play! calendar of tryouts, tournaments, camps, clinics and events, including the Triangle's many running events.
Looking for a team or league? Try the Guide to Triangle Recreational Sports.
Does your team need equipment or donations, or do you have equipment or facility time to donate? Check out the Play! Exchange.
Questions? Send an e-mail to Teri Boggess at play@newsobserver.com.
