2007 Acura Classic Announces Two Tournament Rule Changes That Will Benefit Fans and Players

-- New Doubles Format; On-Court Coaching Allowed --

SAN DIEGO, CA, July 2, 2007 –The 2007 Acura Classic, to be held July 28 – August 5 at the La Costa Resort and Spa, today announced two procedural rule changes in this year’s tournament designed to benefit both fans and players. First, the tournament’s Doubles competition will adopt no-ad scoring for the first two sets, which include tie-breaks if necessary. In addition, if the match stands at one set each, a 10-point match tie-break will take place in lieu of a third set. This format will result in a more predictable doubles time frame, with shorter matches.

In addition to the new doubles guidelines, the Acura Classic will feature on-court coaching this year. Players will be allowed to converse with their designated coach during each set break, as well as when opponents call for their trainer or take other emergency breaks. On-court coaches, who will be seated conveniently near the courtside,  will be equipped with microphones for all matches aired on television, and the sound will be broadcast live.

Noted Jane Stratton of Promotion Sports, Inc.: “Both changes that we’re making for this year’s tournament will make it even more fun and exciting for fans, and benefit players as well. With shorter doubles matches, for instance, we’ll be able to help ensure that day matches won’t run long and overlap with night matches – which will make parking and traffic flow more convenient for fans. And with the new on-court coaching rule, we’re adding a new a character to the game and an additional strategic element for fans to enjoy.”

Now in its 24th year, the Acura Classic is one of the premier events on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour and one of the largest women’s tennis tournaments in the world. Among the top players scheduled to compete are four multiple Grand Slam champions, including Justine Henin, Maria Sharapova, Martina Hingis and Serena Williams, as well as this year’s French Open finalist, Ana Ivanovic.

For more information and to purchase tickets for the Acura Classic, fans can call the Tournament Box Office at 760-438-5683, or visit www.acuraclassic.com.  Free parking for attendees will be available for opening weekend on Saturday and Sunday, July 28th and 29th.

Promotion Sports, Inc., which owns the Acura Classic and promotes a variety of professional tennis events, is a private corporation headquartered in Carlsbad, California. Founded in 1982 by Raquel Giscafré and Jane Stratton, former professional tennis players, the company is dedicated to promoting sports and women’s tennis worldwide.