Top young players from around the world have descended on the Island this week for one of the Junior International Tennis Federation circuit?s most popular tournaments.

Thirty-five players from 12 countries will battle it out over the next six days at the WER Joell Tennis Stadium for vital ranking points, while a number of Bermudian youngsters will also get their chance to grab some glory.

The tournament was launched yesterday in traditional Bermudian style with gombeys wowing the youngsters, who have come from as far afield as Aruba, Hong Kong, Surinam and the UK to compete.

The competition is split into a Boys? Under-18 and Under-14 competition and a Girls? Under-18 event ? there were not enough competitors for the female Under-14 contest.

Island players who have topped the domestic rankings during a fierce summer of competition have been handed wildcards for the tournament and an excellent opportunity to compete at a level that would normally be beyond them because of a lack of ranking points.

?This tournament is a great opportunity for us,? said Gavin Manders, one of the Island?s top youngsters who will be competing for the final time in the event which is taking part here for the second time.

?If this was being played anywhere else, we would all have to go through qualifying and it would be tough to even get into the main draw.

?But the tournament is here and we will get our chances and it is up to all of us to make the most of it.

?If my ankle (injured during the Argus Open) stands up and I give it 100 percent, you never know what can happen.

?Winning is always possible but I know it is going to be very, very hard for me.?

David Lambert, president of Bermuda Lawn Tennis Association, also believes the tournament is a wonderful opportunity for young Bermudians to better themselves.

?The tournament is the pinnacle of the BLTA junior development programme when players from around the world are invited to Bermuda to compete for valued points and championships,? he said.

?Juniors train year round for this tournament, strategically preparing themselves to perform at their highest levels.?