fastest service in the game, will be the featured star during play in the 68th Coral Beach Invitational Tournament this week.

It will mark the first time since the early 1970s that a player of the American's stature will have played in a local tournament.

Tanner teamed up with Sandy Mayer to defeat Tony Roche and John Newcombe in the veterans' event at Wimbledon this year when both played with the Blackburne racquet, designed by Bermudian Robin Blackburne.

This week Tanner, who will only play in doubles, will partner local businessman Gary Holland, son-in-law of Bill and Marj Way, and brother-in-law to champions Michael and Brian.

Now 48 and still playing on the international veterans circuit, Tanner won the Australian Open in 1979 and in the same year played, but lost, in what is considered one of the greatest Wimbledon finals against Bjorn Borg.

In his career Tanner won 31 titles on the ATP Tour between 1972 and '84 and was a finalists on 40 other occasions. He is a two-time member of the US World Cup team and five times a member of the US Davis Cup team.

Tanner arrives in Bermuda today and is expected to see his first action tomorrow at the Coral Beach courts.

Meanwhile, results went true to form in the men's open yesterday as second seed Greg Frigerio defeated Eugene Simmons in straight sets 6-1, 6-1 while third seed and former resident Mike Curry eased back into local tournament play with a 6-3, 6-1 victory over Bob Martyn. Fourth seed Chris Harris ousted William Achtmeyer 6-0, 6-2.

There was a similar start for the veterans as Earl Leader defeated Jan Jarmula 6-0, 6-3 while Wilfred Gonsalves got past Joe Hefferman in a squeaker 6-3, 7-6 (7-4).

In the mixed doubles open, second seeds Wendy Gelhay and Chris Harris surprised Gail and Bill Jones without losing a game.

The Joneses found the courts treacherous on the day as they were also unable to get a point from an earlier match against Nina Alami and Dick Mount.

In a marathon encounter, Trudy Konert and Willow Dew took nearly three hours to beat Mary Giordano and Diana Martin 6-4, 4-6, 6-4.