A tennis player transitioning to coaching sought EB-1A status. Although the AAO found she met the awards criterion, the final merits analysis concluded her evidence of sustained acclaim in coaching did not reach the top-tier level required.

The petitioner is a tennis coach and former competitive player who sought extraordinary ability classification in athletics. The petitioner was found not to hold a major award, and the lesser-awards criterion was analyzed and rejected. The AAO dismissed the appeal because the evidence did not show sustained acclaim at the very top.

Professional tennis player seeking extraordinary ability classification failed to establish either major award or three alternate criteria. Court found published material about competitive career insufficient since petitioner intended to work as coach, and salary comparison limited to Chinese players unconvincing. Appeal dismissed.

Table tennis competitor seeks EB-1A. Decision holds petitioner failed to meet three required criteria. Old awards reflect local recognition only; single newspaper article insufficient for published material criterion; no judging evidence provided. No sustained national or international acclaim established.