December 16, 2005

Naseem, Shabnam and Maryam Eslami
CALIFORNIA GIRLS SWEEP LAS VEGAS TOURNAMENT

LAS VEGAS, NV. The Barry Levinson Law Classic is one of the largest and most competitive tournaments in Nevada history. The tournament boasts such famous former entrants as Andre Agassi, his sister Rita and brother Fillip, former # 1 ranked junior Joey Blake, Christain and Catrina Thompson (now NCAA ranked #1 in doubles) and many others.

Never in the history of the event have three sisters swept the 12's, 14's and 16's age division. This past weekend the Naseem, Shabnam and Maryam Eslami from California came into town and did just that.

This tennis town was created by the superstar Andre Agassi and his father who coached him to stardom.

Now Ali Eslami, also an immigrant from Iran talks about what tennis means to him and his family much like Mr. Agassi describes his opportunity for freedom. "In my native country which is Iran if I try to talk about my kids' dreams and their goals I will end up thrown in jail or worse I would be killed. I am truly grateful for the opportunity and freedom that my girls have here and we do not take it for granted."

"These girls have talent" said tournament Director Ryan Wolfington. "They will definitely get a full college scholarship and play some pro, the only question is will they make top 200 in the world and that is hard to know at this stage."

"I came from the same country that Mike Agassi came from and Mike has been a big inspiration for me through my struggles and hardship," said proud father Ali Eslami.

Mr. Agassi, who is a sponsor of this tournament, is always happy to see fellow Iranian immigrants come into the game of tennis, and has invited the girls to play at his house. This is quite an honor considering Mike Agassi's genius is responsible for much of the modern style of play you see on the men's tour.

Sent by Mahnaz Alavi

* *

Who's your Iranian of the day? Send us photo