Bank to Sponsor Virginia Slims Tournament

Women’s professional tennis in San Diego received a boost Monday when Great American First Savings Bank announced it will sponsor a $200,000 tennis tournament July 31-Aug. 6 at the San Diego Tennis & Racquet Club.

The tournament is part of the Virginia Slims Championship series.

Virginia Slims isn’t new to San Diego. The $100,000 Virginia Slims of San Diego was held in August, but the bank took over sponsorship when Virginia Slims wanted to upgrade the tournament’s prize money.

“We felt it was time San Diego had a major event such as this,” said Gordon Luce, chief executive officer of Great American First Savings Bank. “We look forward to (this event) attracting people to San Diego and getting people from the community involved.”

Top prize in the 32-player singles draw will be $40,000, with the runner-up to receive $18,000. The tournament will include 16 teams in the doubles draw, with the winners receiving $12,000.