San Diego County Family Safe in New Zealand After Earthquake

The family of a Ramona man competing in tennis events in Christchurch, New Zealand has been confirmed safe after the city was hit by a 6.3 magnitude earthquake this week.

The International Tennis Federation has canceled the four Cups scheduled to be played in Christchurch, New Zealand, because of severe damage to the tennis facilities but, for now, the Cups scheduled for Timaru and Ashburton, near Christchurch, will continue, according to a news release.

Leland Rolling of Ramona has been competing in the Dubler Cup Men's 45 and over World Championship. His wife, Tracy, and their two children have been in Christchurch with Leland. Ramona Patch has received confirmation that the Rollings are safe. We will try to talk to them about the 6.3 magnitude earthquake that shook the city Monday and toppled buildings to the ground. Sixty five people have been confirmed dead and the death toll is expected to rise. Many people have been injured and ambulance services were overwhelmed Monday. We have heard that people were evacuated from hotels in the city in case of pending injuries or damage.

New Zealand's prime minister was reported as saying that this could be "New Zealand's darkest day" according to an Associated Press story carried on AOL News on Tuesday. The report quoted John Key as saying, "It is just a scene of utter devastation."

Andy Stoner was Leland's partner in the doubles match on Monday. Stoner is from Cave Creek, AZ. Leland's other team members include Rick Leach from Newport Beach and Mario Tabares of Miami, FL.

Mike Sedderly of Palm Desert is competing in the Fred Perry Cup Men's 50 and over.

A San Diego woman, Gretchen Magers, is in the Margaret Court Cup Women's 45 and over competition. Carolyn Nichols of Rancho Santa Fe and Tina Karwasky of Glendale are competing in the Maureen Connolly Cup Women's 55 and over.

Joanne Russell from Calabasas is in the Maria Esther Bueno Cup Women's 50 and over. Amy Alchi from Malibu has been competing in the Young Cup Women's 40 and over.

A decision about the 2011 Seniors World Individual Championships, scheduled to be played next week in Christchurch, will be made Tuesday.

Any players competing in the Individual Championships who have not already arrived in New Zealand are being told to delay their journey until Tuesday's announcement.

Leland Rolling and Andy Stoner, beat the doubles team from Japan in all three of their matches Monday. Opening ceremonies took place on Sunday.

“They did a fantastic job,” his wife, Tracy, informed Ramona Patch before the earthquake. She was in the stands, along with their sons, Kellen and Bryce, cheering for the team.

Tracy, 41, is a freelance writer for Ramona Home Journal. Leland, 46, is a business consultant who works out of San Diego. Their sons are Kellen, 13, and Bryce, 9.

Julie Pendray contributed to this report. Annette Williams, office administrator at Ramona Home Journal, confirmed the safety of the Rolling family for us.