Date: Fri 20-Aug-1999

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

Murren-tennis-Pilot-Pen

Full Text:

Murren Gets Her Shot At Top Tennis Talent

(with photo)

BY STEVE BIGHAM

Patty Murren got the call she was waiting for earlier this week. It was from

an official at the Pilot Pen International Tennis Tournament in New Haven. She

had received a wild card into the qualifying round and was to report to the

Yale courts Friday morning.

"I have to sign in tomorrow but play begins on Friday," said the Newtown

resident Wednesday.

Patty, now 25, said the invitation caught her by surprise. Last week, the

tournament turned their back on her request. But, thanks to a last minute

withdrawal, Ms Murren was moved into the ladder.

"Obviously the odds aren't in my favor. I think it's just a good experience,

and I'll be able to play in my own state."

Under normal circumstances, Ms Murren's world ranking of 485 would not be high

enough to get in. However, being from the area, tournament officials opted to

give this tennis sensation a shot.

"I'm going to be the lowest ranked player there. Last year, the lowest ranked

player to be invited to the qualifiers was ranked 84th in the world," Ms

Murren said.

The former Wake Forest University star will need to win at least three matches

in order to compete with the big names. Last year's champion, Steffi Graf

(recently retired), Lindsey Davenport, Venus Williams and a handful of other

top-ranked players will be on hand.

Murren's tennis career has not exactly been Martina Hingis-like, but her love

of tennis has gotten her through the no-name tournaments. Her rank has jumped

more than 200 spots over the past 18 months. Ms Murren recently lost in the

first round of the qualifiers in Mahwah, N.J., to Petra Rampre who then went

all the way to the quarterfinals of the main draw.

"I don't expect to qualify. I'm just grateful for the opportunity to play

these players when I can," Ms Murren said.

The Pilot Pen officially begins on Monday.