Tournament have hit back at claims of racism.

Yesterday allegations were levelled that black tournament workers and visitors were barred from parking spots and indoor loos and constantly asked to show passes.

However one black tournament visitor, who wished to remain anonymous, said she saw no problems.

She said: "It was my first time and it was fine. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

"What I did notice was that it was mostly white, but I am used to it. It's nothing to me.

"There were very, very few blacks, but it would have been nice if there were more.'' She said some people went with preconceptions which then turned into self fulfilling prophesies.

She said: "Sometimes it's what you think before you go -- whatever you think will be what happens. You think they are going to judge you.

"I didn't get any prejudice. I am usually very sensitive to that. I can overlook it, some people won't go through it.'' Tourism Minister David Allen said his department had given $150,000 to help fund the event.

But he refused to be drawn on whether funding would continue next year.

He said: "There's no reason to say we won't but we shouldn't assume we will.

We will evaluate this one as we do from year to year.

"But we have supported it for several years and it has certainly given Bermuda a great deal of exposure.'' Mr. Allen said the event was carried on the ESPN and Fox networks along with adverts for the island.

"A number of people come in for the event,'' he added He said his Ministry sponsored events known to attract visitors such as the jazz festival and the film festival.

Asked about the racism allegations he said: "Frankly I only know what I read in the newspaper. If those allegations are true I hope they will be addressed.

"And if there are perceptions maybe they will have to work harder to address those perceptions. Personally I didn't witness any discrimination but of course I wasn't everywhere at once.

"Just because I didn't witness something doesn't mean it didn't happen.'' Mr. Allen said he believed only about 20 percent of the crowd were black.

Asked if the event should be more inclusive he said: "Perceptions are everything.

"There's a lot of baggage with 400 years of slavery and segregation. There's still discrimination.'' Lawn Tennis Association President David Lambert said he did not have direct knowledge of the allegations of racism so he did not wish to comment.

He said: "My objective is the development of tennis. It's a good tournament and a lot of positive issues have come out of it.'' He said the tournament exposed both junior and senior players to a higher level of tennis.

"This situation is something about which I can't comment. I wasn't a witness to it. It's obviously a social issue.'' Asked if the tournament was inclusive Mr. Lambert said: "Yes, I see quite a mixture of people.'' Asked if blacks were boycotting the event Mr. Lambert said: "I don't see an ongoing problem.'' He said no one had come to him to complain about discrimination at the tournament.

Tournament director Alec Anderson echoed this point.

He said: "It's a positive community event available to all races in Bermuda.

I don't know what these individuals are talking about. They didn't come to me -- we could have addressed their concerns.'' He admitted some of the security could have been heavy-handed.

He said: "Some of my friends, both white and black, were accosted by security guards.

"Sometimes they have gruff attitudes but they are just doing their job.'' He said a number of wild cards had been given to black US and Bermudian players since the tournament began.

Roger Scotton, a spokesman for XL Capital, who were the main sponsor of the tournament, said the tournament brought the whole community together and he thanked hosts Coral Beech club.

He said: "XL Capital Ltd is disturbed by the publicity surrounding this year's XL Capital Bermuda Open Tennis Tournament.

"XL deplores racial prejudice and corporate and individual practices that promote it.''