The Annual Ilkley Open Tennis Tournament gets underway again from Saturday, July 27, until Saturday, August 3. Tennis fans once again have the opportunity to watch top class tennis right here in Ilkley.

The tournament is sponsored once again by OHS and Skipton Building Society and the event promises to be as competitive as ever. Weather permitting, there will be plenty of tennis of the highest standard to view on the grass courts.

Again there is no entry charge this year and anyone interested in watching tennis of the highest quality is welcome at the club.

Spectators will be able to watch all levels of tennis with the highlight being The British Tour men's and ladies' singles and doubles that attracts

the top up and coming British players. The tour is sponsored by Hastings Direct while Skipton Building Society and OHS are the actual tournament sponsors

A full range of junior events is also on view and Ilkley is recognised as one of the strongest junior events in the country. The veterans' events attract top vets players from around UK while the handicap events are very popular with club members and local players.

As always there is some local interest. Sam Horrix holder of the U-12 title is seeded 2 in this years U-12 event and seeded 8 in the U-14 event. Ben Murray-Potts seeded 3 will also hope to do well in the U-16s. There are a number of other Ilkley juniors in various events.

In the evening singles, Martin Parkes will have a good chance while Simon

Ickringill is favourite for the vet 45s event.

The first weekend sees the handicap and veteran events get underway on Saturday. Some junior events start on Sunday (under-12's).

The tournament really gets into swing on the Monday with the main Hastings Direct open singles along with many other junior events. The evening singles also start on Monday.

l Play starts at 10am each day and matches continue until dusk.