Molik handed Wimbledon wildcard

LONDON, June 12 (Reuters) Former world number eight Alicia Molik was handed a wildcard into the Wimbledon women's draw today.

The 25-year-old Australian returned to the tour in May after being sidelined for months with an ear infection.

After achieving a career-high eighth in the WTA standings in February 2005, her ranking nosedived and she now stands at 256th in the world.

Seven Britons were also handed invites to the grasscourt grand slam.

Sarah Borwell, Anne Keothavong, Katie O'Brien and Melanie South gained direct entry into the women's field, while Alex Bogdanovic, Richard Bloomfield and Jamie Baker will compete in the men's draw.

Reuters SY GC0001