Negotiations are currently underway to bring two of the world's best women's tennis players to Bermuda.

Bermuda Lawn Tennis Association president David Lambert confirmed yesterday that talks have begun to include Chanda Rubin and Zina Garrison Jackson, both of the USA, in this year's line-up of the annual Pro-Celebrity Day on September 17.

Rubin, 19, hit the headlines when she was involved in the longest women's match -- 58 games including a 17-15 third set -- in Wimbledon history against Patricia Hy Boulais of Canada two weeks ago.

The 19th ranked player on the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) tour, Rubin reached the third round at Wimbledon and was also a semi-finalists at the French Open. Yesterday she was selected to the US Federation Cup squad by captain Billie Jean King.

Her first career title came earlier this year in Michigan when she triumphed over Brenda Shultz.

Garrison Jackson, 31, has won 14 singles titles including a victory over Lori McNeil in Birmingham earlier this year. Currently ranked 30th on the tour, she was a finalist at Wimbledon in 1990.

Lambert launched discussions this week to bring the players to Bermuda with Ron Erskine of Advantage International, the same Connecticut firm which played a major role in the XL Bermuda Open ATP event last April.

Erskine, in fact, was tournament director of the Open, and, according to Lambert, is eager to bring players from the WTA pro tour to Bermuda.

Advantage represents both Rubin and Garrison Jackson, and it will cost the BLTA at least $25,000 to have the two women compete here in September.

Lambert is convinced that money can be recouped from ticket sales and sponsorship funds, especially with women's tennis gathering steam after the outstanding Wimbledon final between Steffi Graf and Aranxta Sanchez Vicario and the imminent return of Monica Seles.

Rubin is 0-4 and 0-2 against Sanchez Vicario and Graf respectively, while Garrison Jackson has 2-11 records against both players.

"The BLTA is putting together a school programme and we would think that an exhibition like this, with two of the best women's players, would be a great introduction to tennis for our youngsters,'' Lambert said yesterday.

"I feel that we definitely have to encourage women to come out to play in more tournaments and what better way to do that than bring players like Rubin and Garrison Jackson. Then they can sit back and say `gee, maybe I can do that'. Everyone has to have some kind of a dream and we feel that this would definitely help. I can't see it hurting.'' The Pro-Celebrity Day has become one of Bermuda's most popular tennis fixtures during the past two years, involving the Island's professional players, well-known personalities and politicians. Lambert will continue to spearhead the project, even though he is no longer in charge of the Pro Association, principal organisers of the event.

Lambert said the idea to bring two WTA stars was first brought up by local pro Eugene Woods, and was discussed during a meeting Lambert held with new Pro Association chief Bob Smith yesterday.

"We have a very good ATP tour event which is great for Bermuda,'' said Lambert. "But, unfortunately, it's a men's event and the BLTA feels that we must also showcase the women's side of it.'' Lambert said that Erskine would also like to eventually bring eight WTA players to Bermuda to compete in a three-day tournament.

"I want to get two of the world's top players down here in a real bad way,'' said Lambert. "So I'm going to do everything I possibly can to secure it. If I can't then we're still going to keep pushing, even if it's a different event.'' Erskine has also offered to help promote the event, which is expected to take on a "family day'' atmosphere this year. Besides the marquee match, there will also be drills conducted by the Island's teaching pros.

"I'm very excited about it,'' said Lambert. "We'd like to promote this day as a family day. You know, `come out and spend the day at the Tennis Stadium' where you can do some drills with about 18 of our teaching pros. Then watch some of Bermuda's most recognised personalities and then we hope to have these two ladies.'' If the two women agree to play here, Lambert said that two of the Island's top men's players will be selected to play a mixed doubles match with the two women.

Last year's event will be best remembered for Michael Way's dramatic last-minute victory over Donald Evans, when Evans was forced to withdraw due to an injury only a point away from victory. "I have to go a step higher than that,'' said Lambert. "That's not to say that Donald and Michael aren't top drawing cards.'' ZINA GARRISON JACKSON -- September exhibition planned.