Billy Way secured a spot in the tournament, which is scheduled for December at Coral Beach, after beating both Mallory and Nearon on the weekend.

Way will join Donald Evans as the only two locals in the ATP Challenger event between December 6-12, though Mallory may possibly earn a spot depending on the number of overseas players who participate.

Mallory bounced back from a hard-fought 6-4, 6-4 loss to Way on Saturday while Nearon suffered his second straight defeat, having lost 6-3, 6-1 to Way on Sunday.

"It was a real tight match against Billy and I really felt that I could have beaten him,'' said Mallory, who also plays First Division soccer for Vasco.

"I'd love to have a second chance against him.'' Mallory and Nearon played fairly even during the early portions of the match and he said a combination of strong serves and near-perfect ground strokes served to undercut Nearon.

The match was played under a light drizzle and there was a short delay prior to the second set when the rain grew heavier.

"I hit the ball real hard with a lot of topspin,'' said Mallory, who pointed out that his game is weaker on clay surfaces. "When that happens I know I can keep my opponents off balance.'' Mallory must now wait to find out if he will be included in the XL Classic and plans to step up his training with partner Steve Bean just in case.

"I'd love to play,'' he said. "I just hope they give me a chance.'' Anyone interested in becoming a line umpire for the XL Tennis Classic must attend one of two remaining training sessions, tonight and Thursday from 6.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. at the Waterloo House. After this part of the course is completed, line umpires will be given further instruction by an ATP representative this weekend.

MOTOCROSS SCR Aaron Pace has built a nine-point bulge over Devon Moss in the 125B series after the second round of the Pepsi Nationals on Sunday.

In the 80C class, Kemo Simons clings to a slim three-point lead with 42 points over rival Jamel Hassell (39 points) while Shari Easton trails in third place with 28 points.

Shaping up as one of the most interesting classes is the 125C, where the Maxwell brothers are heading for a nailbiting showdown.

Chris Maxwell is making his own brand of noise, leading the division with 40 points, with Kyle Constable breathing down his neck in second place with 39.

Leroy Maxwell, meanwhile, finds himself in third place with 32 points.

Pace is looking to sew up first place in the 125B class with a solid lead over second-place racer Devon Moss. Pace leads with 45 points while Moss is on 36.

Malcolm Raynor is in third spot with 30 points.

In the 250B class, Duprey Joell leads the way with 45 points and could be getting some competition from former champion Robert Smith and Buddy Joell.

TABLE TENNIS TEN Hamilton Parish, two-time defending champions, have withdrawn from the league after failing to field a team for their opening encounter last week.

Parish defaulted at home to St. George's Community Centre last week and their withdrawal reduces the number of teams in the league to 13. St. George's Community Centre will not now get the points from that match against Hamilton Parish and no other points will be awarded when teams have a bye because of the Parish withdrawal.

All league matches will start at 7.30 p.m. and there is a 15-minute grace period.

Tonight's schedule: West Indian Association v Southampton Princess I; Christian Rovers v Wolves; Bermuda College v Social Club; BAA v The Centre; St. George's Community Centre v Prison Officers; Cleveland v Eastern Stars.

Southampton Princess II have a bye.

CHESS CHS Nick Faulks captured the Mutual Risk tournament last week, having won all five of his matches.

The 1,600-1,800 category was won by George Ben with four points while youngster Shimon Alkon won the under-1,600 category with two wins and three draws.

Alkon picked up 52 rating points and is now holding his own against the senior players.

Tonight's session is the Paraquet 10-second tournament.