Connors to Take Lendl’s Place

Ivan Lendl, the world’s top-ranked tennis player, has withdrawn from his scheduled exhibition Thursday night at the Forum, Forum publicist John Black said Monday.

Lendl was supposed to play second-ranked Stefan Edberg in the featured match of the Michelin Challenge Series. He will be replaced by Jimmy Connors.

Apparently, Lendl withdrew because he is going to have oral surgery this week.

Neither Lendl nor his agent Jerry Solomon of ProServ was available for comment.

At least 10,000 tickets have already been sold for the event, and Forum officials said that refunds will be available to any fans requesting them at the place of purchase.