The first BTLA ranking tournament of the new season gets under way next week with the start of the third annual Elbow Beach Doubles Championship.

The tournament will run from Wednesday, February 25th to Sunday, March 1.

All of last year's champions are expected to return to defend their titles with Ashley Brokes and Lavern Stowe again favourites to take the women's title. Mixed-doubles champs Jenson Bascome and Erica Bove will be back, as will men's champions Andy Bray and James Collieson.

Any teams wishing to take part have until Sunday to apply, and all entries must be returned to Elbow Beach Tennis Club.

n The Colonial Insurance Calcutta Tennis Tournament begins tomorrow, with the light-hearted event once again looking to raise money for the Bermuda National Trust.

In it's fifteenth year, the event has raised an average of $10,000 a year since it began in 1993.

Held at Coral Beach and Tennis Club, the Ladies Doubles will be held tomorrow, the Mixed Doubles on Saturday and the Men's Doubles, and all the Finals, on Sunday.