SOME of the most talented tennis juniors will be competing in the North-East later this year in the Middlesbrough Open Junior Tennis Tournament.

Taking place at Tennis World, in Prissick Base, Middlesbrough, last year the competition - cosponsored by The Northern Echo - attracted nearly 250 competitors from as far afield as Scotland, Cumbria and Yorkshire.

This year's tournament, being in held in July, is expected to see just as many competitors taking part for what will be the competition's 33rd year.

The qualifying rounds take place on July 22 and 23 with the various age in action throughout the following week. The categories play on the following days: July 24 and 25: U18 boys singles, U18 girls singles, U18 boys doubles and U18 girls doubles, U14 boys singles, U14 girls singles, U14 boys doubles and U14 girls doubles.

July 26 and 27: U16 boys singles, U16 girls singles, U16 boys doubles, U16 girls doubles, U12 boys singles, U12 girls singles, U12 boys doubles and U12 girls doubles.

July 28: U10 boys singles, U10 girls singles, U10 boys doubles and U10 girls doubles.

Players are guaranteed a minimum of three singles and two doubles matches per age group.

The U12, U14, U16 and U18 age groups will be organised over two specific days with the finals on July 29. In the U10 age group each player will play a minimum of two singles and one doubles match on one day with the finals also on July 29.

Closing date for entries is July 13 and there are still places available.

Turn to Page 15 for an application form.

Meanwhile, Tennis World will stage their annual Play Tennis for Free Day on Sunday.

The event, between 1pm and 4pm, will include coaching, fun games and competitions, all for free. Anybody of any age and of any standard is welcome to participate.

The Play Tennis for Free campaign is run annually by the Lawn Tennis Association and has encouraged over half a million people to pick up a racket since it started, whilst also appealing to existing players to enjoy a fun filled day with the whole family or friends.

Angela Murphy, the Play Tennis Organiser, said: "This is the first of our two Play Tennis for Free Days and we are looking forward to supporting such a popular and encouraging campaign.

Wimbledon is fast approaching and the event is a great opportunity for the Middlesbrough community to get involved with tennis!"

If you would like to take part on Sunday contact the centre on (01642) 322388 or email tennis. world@btopenworld. com.