March 1, 2006

LAS VEGAS - UNLV super sophomore Elena Gantcheva shocked the second-seeded player in straight sets and advanced at the WTF's Mirage Cup Wednesday night at the Darling Tennis Center.

Gantcheva, who is currently college tennis' 18th-ranked singles player, received a wild card entry into the professional tournament's main draw.

Down 4-2 in the second set, she rallied to finish off American Jill Craybas 6-2, 7-6 (2). Craybas is ranked 52nd in the world in this week's WTA Tour Rankings.

"This is not only a big win for Elena personally but also for UNLV tennis," UNLV head coach Kevin Cory said. "She bounced back from a tough loss on Sunday (in college competition) and represented her school and program very well tonight."

Gantcheva, who is playing as an amateur and therefore not eligible to receive any prize money, will take on 177th-ranked American Angela Haynes in the Round of 16 on Thursday beginning at approximately noon.