Defending Champion Venus Williams Confirms 2008 Participation

Memphis, TN – The Cellular South Cup announced today that the event is being upgraded from a Tier III to a Series B (International Group - working title), effective February 2009. The key components of the upgrade are:

· Access to top 6 players -- not possible as a Tier III event;
· WTA event can now stand alone;
· Step in the right direction if opportunity ever presents itself for further upgrade;
· One of 17 Series B (International Group – working title) events in the world;
· One of 2 in the United States.

The upgrade of the women’s event follows the good news of the previously announced upgrade of the men’s event to a 500 level, one of only 10 such events in the world.

Venus will, once again, land in Memphis in 2008! Venus Williams, currently ranked No. 8 in the world, will return to Memphis to defend her title. Special thanks is given to title sponsor, who is working with Venus in their marketing efforts. Jim Richmond of Cellular South is the contact person for further details.

One short year ago Venus was injured and ranked in the 50’s when she made her first appearance in Memphis and defeated Shahar Peer to win the coveted Cellular South Cup. Amazingly, a few months later, she was crowned ladies’ champion at Wimbledon for the fourth time in eight years. Venus is also a part of the elite eight of the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour finals to be played in Madrid, Spain in November.

Tickets to the Regions Morgan Keegan Championships and the Cellular South Cup are on sale now by calling 901-765-4401. Order your tickets today for the best available seating. Help make a difference in the lives of the children of St. Jude.