Brevard players in Kiwi qualifying tourney

Former doubles champion Louisa Chirico is the No. 1 seed in the Revolution Technologies Pro Tennis Classic qualifying tournament.

The tournament begins today at the Kiwi Tennis Club with four spots in the main draw up for grabs. The first four matches begin at 10 a.m.

Chirico, who won the doubles title in 2013 with Jan Abaza, won the tournament in Dothan, Ala., and is among the leaders in the Har-Tru Wild Card standings. If she does well this week, it could give her a spot in the French Open.

But first is a tough qualifying tournament that features a few familiar faces to Kiwi. Chiara Scholl, who grew up in Brevard County and has had success at Kiwi, is the No. 2 seed in the tourney and, like Chirico, has a bye into the second round.

Sally Peers has played here the past couple of years and is the No. 3 seed.

Closer to home, there are a couple of local players in the tournament looking for main draw spots.

Christi Woodson, a senior at Eau Gallie High, will open the tournament today against Ashley Kratzer in a match scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Woodson is making her second straight appearance in the tournament.

Alexandra Belaya is also making her second appearance in the tournament, facing No. 6 seed Marie Norris in a match scheduled for 2:30 p.m.

Admission is free today but parking has changed as it is now off site. Fans are asked to park at the David R. Schechter Center at 1089 South Patrick Drive in Satellite Beach and take a free shuttle that is available from 9 a.m. until last call daily at the Kiwi Tennis Club.