Pacific Life Open Pre-Qualifying Tournament Expands

Event Will Feature Men's And Women's 64-Player Challenge Tournament
In Addition To Four-Player Pre-Qualifying Tournament

INDIAN WELLS, Calif., January 17, 2007 -- The second annual Pacific Life Open Pre-Qualifier, a tournament which will afford the male and female champions the opportunity to participate in the Pacific Life Open Qualifying draw, has expanded and will include a 64-player Challenge Round.

Federer and Sharapova Headline Talented Field at the Pacific Life Open

The Challenge Round, to be held February 16-18, 2007, will feature 64-player women's and men's draws. The winners will secure one of the four spots in the Pacific Life Open Pre-Qualifier, which will be held March 3-6, 2007. Both events will be held at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

The Pacific Life Open Pre-Qualifier, which began in 2006 and was won by Pam Montez of Palm Desert, California and Sargis Sargisian of Armenia, will feature a women's draw consisting of three Sony Ericsson WTA Tour players and the women's Challenge Round winner and a men's draw consisting of three ATP players and the men's Challenge Round winner. Each match will be the best of three sets with a 7-point Tie-break to be played for any set reaching six-all.

The women's and men's champions of the Pacific Life Open Pre-Qualifier will receive wildcards into the Pacific Life Open Qualifying draws which will begin on March 5th (women) and 7th (men).

For information or to enter visit PacificLifeOpen.com or call (760) 200-8200. All entry forms and fees must be received by Friday, February 9.