Top female players to star at Aegon Classic tournament

Eight of the world's top 10 female tennis players will feature in the Aegon Classic's strongest ever line-up this summer in Birmingham.

Angelique Kerber, who will return to world number one next week, Karolina Pliskova and world number five Dominika Cibulkova will take part.

The tournament which begins on June 19 at the Edgbaston Priory Club,will also feature British number one Johanna Konta.

Simona Halep, Garbine Muguruza, Agnieszka Radwanska and Elina Svitolina are also confirmed for the event.

It has also been reported that Maria Sharapova, the champion in 2004 and 2005, will be given a wild card.