By Ashley Sanders

The News staff writer

BEAUMONT — You have problems? Well, this slow talking country boy from Texas just may have the answers — that is, if your quandary involves improving your backswing.

Dr. Phil McGraw, television host and self-help author, was added to the list of names Monday scheduled to participate in the CHRISTUS Pro/Celebrity Classic on Sept. 21, at Ford Arena in Beaumont.

According to a Ford Park spokesperson, Dr. Phil will team up with women’s tennis player Chandra Rubin in a doubles match against celebrity tennis star Anna Kournikova and journalist Stone Phillips.

Other scheduled stars for the Children’s Miracle Network benefit include Pete Sampras, who was recently inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, and Todd Martin.

The CHRISTUS Pro/Celebrity Classic is presented by Texas State Bank and sponsored by Motiva’s Port Arthur Refinery. The action will begin at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21, at Ford Park, 5115 Interstate 10 South in Beaumont.

As a part of their participation in the event, Sampras, Kournikova, Martin and Rubin will share tennis tips with select event sponsor representatives in a “Thrills & Drills” clinic on the courts of the Wilton P. Hebert Health and Wellness Center. A silent auction to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network will also be at CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth’s Wellness Center featuring donated autographed items from the players as well as donated items from local businesses.

In addition to the doubles match between Kournikova and Rubin, Martin and Sampras, who are former doubles partners, will face off in a singles match.

Specially priced tickets are on sale now for $29 online at www.ticketmaster.com, by phone at 409-833-7747, or at the Ford Arena box office.