Wheelchair Tennis Event Has Big Field

The 18th U.S. Open Wheelchair Tennis Championships begin Monday at the Racquet Club of Irvine. More than 300 players, representing more than 25 nations and 40 states, are expected for the weeklong competition.

Rick Molier and Maaike Smit of Holland will defend their 1996 open division titles in men’s and women’s singles. The women’s singles final is set for 11:30 a.m. Oct. 18. The men’s open singles final is set for 11:30 a.m. Oct. 19, followed at 2 p.m. by the doubles final.

Competition will take place in singles and doubles in four men’s, three women’s and three quadriplegic divisions. Daily competition takes place from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Admission is free Monday through Friday. A weekend pass is $5, and children under 18 are admitted free.

The U.S. Open, which culminates the Grand Prix Circuit of more than 70 wheelchair tennis events nationwide, is organized by the San Clemente-based National Foundation of Wheelchair Tennis, a nonprofit organization headed by Brad Parks.

For more information, call (714) 361-3663.