their American counterparts today.

The Maureen Connolly Challenge Trophy is for the two nations' most promising female players and is held alternately in England or the USA.

However this year the decision was made to stage the tournament in Bermuda and the Coral Beach and Tennis Club has been chosen as the setting.

The three-day event begins at 10 a.m. today with three singles and one doubles match. Sarah Taylor of the US takes on Elena Baltacha of Great Britain, while Megan Bradley battles it out against Jane O'Donoghue.

America's Laura Granville is paired against Anne Keothavong of Britain in the third match and Taylor and Candice Fuchs take on O'Donoghue and Nicola Trinder in the final match of the day.

The event runs until Saturday, with play starting at 10 a.m. each day, and tournament Master of Ceremonies, Trevor Adamson said he expected things to be tight by the end of play today.

"The first match will be tough -- hard to call,'' said Adamson. "But I think Sarah Taylor might edge that. I think O'Donoghue might beat Megan Bradley and I think Granville will probably beat Keothavong. "In the doubles it is very, very hard to say because I don't know how strong the US pair is as I haven't seen Candice play, so let's hope it'll be a British win and then it will be two-all at the end of the day.'' Adamson, associated with the event for 18 years, said the tournament would provide excellent entertainment for the public and he urged people to come along.

"You are going to see the best young players from Britain and the USA at this age group. Both countries use it to give their young players international experience,'' he said.

"If you go way back, a lot of people who have made it in tennis have played in the tournament -- Zina Garrison, Pam Shriver, people of that ilk have all played. There have been some very good players pass through this event.'' As for the venue, Adamson said the weather might play a part in the end result.

"Conditions are slightly different from what people are used to -- very high humidity and it's likely to be pretty hot.

"I'm not sure how accustomed the US team is to those conditions, but it will certainly be strange for the British girls.'' Admission costs $10 per day or $30 for a three-day pass. Children will be admitted free.