Wickmayer to play in Auckland after ban lifted

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) -Yanina Wickmayer has accepted a wild card to play in the ASB Classic women's tennis tournament in January after a Belgian court overturned her one-year ban for breaching anti-doping regulations.

The No. 16-ranked Wickmayer was suspended last month by the Flemish National Doping Organization for failing on three occasions to report her whereabouts in line with World Anti-Doping Agency policies.

A Belgian civil court this week lifted that ban and the International Tennis Federation has said she is now free to return to the women's tour.

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Organizers of the $220,000 Auckland tournament, from Jan. 4-9, immediately offered her a wild card. She will be the tournament's third seed based on current entries.

"It is such good news and the best possible Christmas present that I am able to play," Wickmayer said in a statement.

"I had such a great 2009 on the court and now look forward to starting my 2010 at Auckland."

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