Up to $5,000 worth of prize money will be up for grabs at this month’s annual Bermuda Clay Court Championships at Coral Beach and Tennis Club.

Organisers are confident the growing pot of money — $3,000 for the male winner and $750 for the women’s winner — will give players a greater incentive for victory.

The championships will include men’s and women’s open, men’s and women’s open doubles, men’s singles over 45s, over 55s, over 65s, over 75s and over 80s. There will also be century mixed doubles and over 50s and 60s women’s singles categories.

Running from October 25 to 31, the tournament, previously known as the Coral Beach Invitational, has been recognised by the United States Tennis Association and sanctioned by the Bermuda Lawn Tennis Association.

Neal Towlson, the new Coral Beach and Tennis Club lead professional, said the tournament committee had been working hard on the plans for months, and are encouraging as big a field as possible of local and overseas players.

He added that he is expecting the majority of the Island’s top players to be in action during the weeklong tournament.

“We’ve heard from all of the top local players — including Gavin Manders and Jenson Bascome — who have expressed a keen interest in playing,” said Towlson, who will also be among the competitors.

“We’re also hoping for some of the top juniors — 16 and over — and we also have several senior and doubles categories. It’s a pretty big tournament and it’s a great chance for Bermudians to play against people they wouldn’t normally play in their weekly matches.

“There’s quite a nice bit of prize money on offer and it should be an interesting event.”

All matches will be the best of three sets, using the 12-point tie-breaker at six-all in any set, while consolation singles and doubles events will be held for players who lose their first-round matches.

In the doubles events, professional players cannot be partners, while all players are limited to a maximum of three events.

Social events will be held throughout the week, including a welcoming cocktail party at The Coral Beach Club next Monday, dinner and dancing at the Longtail Terrace next Friday, and a prize-giving ceremony and gala dinner the following day.

The entry deadline for the tournament — sponsored by Moët & Chandon — is on Sunday. For more details e-mail tennis@coralbeachclub.bm or call 239-7223.