Mini Wimbledon could produce the next star

THE island's largest tennis tournament gets under way this weekend but there is still time for island schoolchildren to get an entry in. The Guernsey Schools' Tennis Club are staging the St Margaret's Lodge Hotel Stella Artois Mini Wimbledon tournament.

'This event caters for all abilities and ages and as the largest tennis competition on the island, it will give schoolchildren the opportunity to play a lot of different players as all the early matches are in a round robin format,' says competition organiser Geoff Martel.

The event takes place at the old girls grammar school courts from tomorrow until finals days on 2 and 9 July.

'The players last year really got into the swing of Wimbledon and who knows if another Rob West or Heather Watson will emerge,' added Martel.

The tournament features groups of beginners, under-nine, under-11 and under-13, open and doubles competitions.

T-shirts, trophies and a free mini Wimbledon meal and disco at St Margaret's Lodge Hotel are all included in the entry.

Entry forms are available from all schools, colleges, and tennis clubs or from Geoff Martel on 253009.