Kuznetsova won the Eastbourne tournament in 2004

World number six Svetlana Kuznetsova has been handed a wild card entry into the Aegon International tournament.

The Russian, 24, will replace compatriot Elena Dementieva in the main draw after she withdrew with injury.

She said: "I am delighted to have been awarded this wild card to Eastbourne. It's such a great tournament and it brings back good memories.

"The grass courts are fantastic and it provides excellent preparation for Wimbledon," she added.

Tournament director Gavin Fletcher said: "Attracting players with such high rankings shows the calibre of the competition at the AEGON International."

Kuznetsova suffered a 6-0 6-3 defeat to Canada's Aleksandra Wozniak in the first round of last year's tournament.

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