Junior Open this week.

Bermuda Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) president David Lambert explained that the event carried significant importance for some, with rankings to be affected as well as international team spots being at stake.

"We have all of the top players here,'' said Lambert, anticipating an exciting tourney. "We only have one more tournament left after this one and we'll be out looking at our top juniors and potential 14 and unders for the Caribbean Championships next year and also any of our older juniors that'll be looked at for possible Davis Cup and Federation Cup training that is starting soon.

"So this tournament carries a little more weight than just getting a ranking.

It also provides an opportunity to look at our top juniors.'' Among those at the front end are male players Jenson Bascome and Daniel Miller, both of whom arrived back on the Island yesterday following a stint at Hilton Head, North Carolina for what Lambert described as a "world class drill session'' with top juniors from around the world.

On the female side Danielle Paynter stands out alongside rivals Tara Lambert and Melissa Henry among the `senior' girls.

Further down in the age groups notables exist in the forms of Karriem Sharrieff, who is one of the top players in the 12-and-under group, Chris Watson (16-and-under), Craig Bean (14-and-under) and Andrew Simons.

A foreign flavour exists as well with a number of male and female players seeking to invade local turf.

Lindsay Wineshank is one, having captured the 16-and-under title last year.

Wineshank is widely ranked along the eastern seaboard.

Another is Claire Bawtree who should be a force in 18-and-under category.

As a bonus, Lambert revealed that those involved in the tournament will be given an exhibition of top flight action by leading senior players at the event's conclusion.

"To spice it up just a little bit, on Saturday at one o'clock we'll be having two of Bermuda's top players, James Collieson, who just turned 19, and Ricky Mallory playing an exhibition just so that the juniors can see our top players in action.

"It's just a way of topping things off and later that evening at The Reefs we'll be having our prize presentation, providing something for our juniors and their parents.'' (Today's schedule of matches appears on the Scoreboard page.)