Rain causes disruption at Aegon Classic tennis in Edgbaston

Jun 9 2010 by Jonny Greatrex, Birmingham Mail

THE city maybe hosting some of the world’s top female tennis stars this week – but with tennis comes the almost inevitable summer rain.

Torrential downpours caused major disruption yesterday to the second day’s play at the Aegon Classic at the Edgbaston Priory Club, on Sir Harrys Road.

Ground staff used sweeping brushes to clear standing water off the delicate playing surface, with play suspended until at least 2.30pm. The competition has attracted some of the game’s top names including former Wimbledon singles champion Maria Sharapova and 20-year-old Belgium Yanina Wickmayer, who is ranked 16 in the world.

Meanwhile scores of motorists were forced to endure a nightmare commute in the deluge after a broken-down car caused chaos traffic chaos in the city.

The vehicle partially blocked the northbound Suffolk Queensway tunnel between 7am and 8.40am.