Kateryna Bondarenko is the reigning DFS Classic champion

Edgbaston Priory is to stop holding its pre-Wimbledon ladies tournament after the 2009 event.

Next summer's AEGON Classic will end 28 years of international tennis at the Birmingham club after the decision not to tender for a new contract.

The Lawn Tennis Association intends to expand the event, which would have meant major upheaval at the club.

Edgbaston will continue to work with the LTA as one of its leading High Performance Centres.

Martina Navratilova, Nathalie Tauziat and Maria Sharapova are among the former champions to have graced the centre court at the Priory since the first staging of the event in 1982.

"Our primary responsibility is to develop the best facilities for all our members," said club chairman Michael Fallows.

"By working with the Lawn Tennis Association, Birmingham City Council and Calthorpe Estates we are confident that we can continue to promote tennis to a wider audience."