World-class tennis returns to Amelia Island in April as the top women players in the world will compete for a total purse of $585,000 in the Bausch & Lomb Championships. This year's event will be held the week of April 4-10 at Amelia Island Plantation.

The tournament is one of the oldest stops on the WTA Tour, and the list of past champions is quite impressive: Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert, Steffi Graf, Gabriela Sabatini, Aranxta Sanchez Vicario, and Monica Seles, just to name a few.

Defending champion and top-ranked Lindsay Davenport will return in 2005 to defend her title. Last year, Davenport claimed a hard-fought 6-4, 6-4 victory over France's Amelie Mauresmo in the final.

Defending Champion Lindsay Davenport
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Amelie Mauresmo
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The Bausch & Lomb Championships is a favorite stop on the tour for many players and fans alike. The beautiful setting at Racquet Park and the relaxed atmosphere help to create a very fan-friendly tournament. Over 52,000 tennis fans were in the seats for last year's event. In addition to watching some of the best tennis played anywhere in the world, fans at the Bausch & Lomb Championships can experience interactive games, test the speed of their serve, or get their favorite player's autograph.

Justine Henin-Hardenne
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Last year's event included a special ceremony
honoring tennis legend Martina Navratilova.
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In 2005, the Bausch & Lomb Championships will continue its "Commitment to Community" campaign. This program generates revenue in support of selected charities and causes in the Jacksonville and Fernandina areas including Amelia Island Montessori School and the Pilot Clubs of Jacksonville and Nassau County.

For the 19th consecutive year, the Bausch & Lomb Championships will be televised by ESPN and ESPN2.
To be a part of this spectacular event, order tickets by calling (800) 486-8366. For the latest information on player commitments and schedule of play, visit the tournament website at www.blchamps.com