week.

For the first time in 28 years the Maureen Connolly Challenge Trophy is not being staged in either of the two countries who contest it, Britain or the US.

Organisers have taken the step to move the tournament to Bermuda, and the Coral Beach and Tennis Club will be staging it next week.

The tournament, for under-19 women from the States or Britain, is held in memory of the legendary Maureen `Little Mo' Connolly -- the first person to win the Grand Slam of Australian, French and US Opens and Wimbledon.

In 1973, four years after Connolly's death, the foundation she set up founded the tournament.

The Maureen Connolly Brinker Foundation is now headed by co-founder and president, Nancy Jeffett, herself a top 10 junior player in the US.

Over the years the event has featured the likes of Pam Shriver, Zina Garrison, Kathy Jordan, Jo Durie, Sue Barker and Lisa Raymond.

The US have won most of the 27 tournments to date, but Britain had much the better of things through the 1990's.

Bermuda insurance giants XL Capital Ltd have announced they will help sponsor the three-day event, which runs from September 28 to 30. A company spokesperson said: "The management and staff at XL are proud to support this world class tennis tournament which brings the highest quality of women's junior competition to the Island.'' Each nation fields a team of five top female players and 11 matches, made up of nine singles and two doubles, are played during the event.

Tickets are available from the Coral Beach Club on 236-2233 and are priced at $10 a day or $30 for a three-day pass. In the hope of encouraging junior tennis in Bermuda all children and students are allowed into the event free of charge.