I arrived in Turkey on Thursday and all is well.  Most of the Americans arrived on Friday, but I've had practice buddies since I arrived.  Official opening of the event was this afternoon with a nice ceremony and play begins tomorrow for all age groups.  The USA is represented by ten teams, 5 women's and 5 women's, age groups 60, 65, 70, 75 and 80.  There are approximately 600 tennis players here from around the world.  My teammates are Betty Wachob (Panama City, FL), Cathie Anderson (Del Mar, CA) and Judy Louie (FL and CA).

 

I am the captain of the Kitty Godfree Cup team (65s).  All captains attended a captains' meetings today and draws was determined.  We have 16 teams in our draw and we are the #3 seed.  The 16 teams are divided into 4 groups of 4 teams, with each group containing one of the top 4 seeds. Teams in our group are from South Africa, Canada and Sweden.  We play South Africa tomorrow (Monday).  If weather holds, round robin play will continue through Wednesday.  The winners of the groups will begin squaring off on Thursday -- more on that later.  I'm one who take it one day at a time.  The other seeds are France, Great Britain and Germany, respectively. 

 

A tie consists of two singles matches and one doubles match.  Order of play is #2 singles, #1 singles, followed by the doubles.  A country must win at least two matches to win the tie.

 

It is such an honor to be representing the USA in this event.  Thank you for your support.