Delray Beach International Tennis Championships Takes Tennis Off-Court With Wii Tennis Tournament

Final four to battle it out on February 16 for Grand Championship Trophy

The world's top ranked male tennis players will kick-off the 2008 ATP North American season February 9 - 17 at the Delray Beach International Tennis Championships (ITC). In addition to seeing some of the best tennis players in the world, the hottest selling video game on the planet has come to the ITC - Nintendo Wii Tennis. Capitalizing on the popularity of the game, the ITC has started a local Wii tournament - the Wiild 95.5 Wii Tennis Tournament. Four qualifiers from off-site events held throughout the county saw one winner crowned who will move on to the final four tournament on Saturday, February 16 at noon. The conclusion of the four qualifying rounds ended last night at the FAU Levine Weinberger Hillel Center. Mitchell Johnson, an FAU student won from the field of 32.

The first qualifying event kicked off on January 17 at Aspen Jacks with Gil Mayron winning and moving on to the next round. Other qualifying locations included Roxy's in West Palm Beach on January 24 with Surej Kalathil winning, and Clematis by Night in West Palm Beach on January 31 with Aaron Wormus winning. In total 80 Wii tennis fans competed for the four coveted final four positions who get to battle it out in front of an international audience and win the coveted title Grand Champion. The winner will be crowned on center court at 2 pm on Saturday and will win two VIP court side seats for the Sunday February 17 th finals and a new Nintendo Wii courtesy of Wild 95.5.

"The Wii tournament is the first organized event of its kind on the ATP circuit. We loved the idea of taking the competition and excitement of tennis and bringing to the community," said John Butler, ITC Executive Director. "The idea of having events off-court broadens our marketing reach and helps us reach out to a more diversified audience."

This year's ITC, February 9 through 11, will attract over 50,000 attendees, will be seen on TV on over 150 countries and is one of only 15 ATP Tour events in North America. For a complete lineup of players or to purchase tickets visit www.YellowTennisBall.com. or call 561-330-6000.

About the Delray Beach International Tennis Championships:

The Delray Beach International Tennis Championships, celebrating its tenth year at the Delray Beach Stadium & Tennis Center, has announced that world ranked No. 14 James Blake, world ranked No. 13,Tommy Haas, and world No. 1 doubles partners Mike and Bob Bryan are already scheduled to compete. The tournament is a $437,000 ATP Tour Event and is one of a few privately owned tournaments in the world. Celebrated in 2003 with the ATP Award of Excellence, the tournament is the first of 14 ATP tournaments scheduled in the United States for 2008.

INDIVIDUAL TICKETS: 561-330-6000

SPECIAL EVENT INFO & SERIES SEATS: 561-330-6003

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