BOLTON tennis player Simon Roberts has been knocked out of the Men's $25,000 Challenger Event at the town's Arena.

Roberts was beaten 6-1 6-3 by the tournament's number eight seed Robin Vik, of the Czech Republic, ranked 449 in the world.

The 21-year-old, from Bromley Cross, had beaten fellow Briton Richard Wire 6-4 6-4 in the qualifying stages.

Miles Kasiri, the British tennis player who reached the final of this year's Wimbledon boys' singles tournament, was also eliminated at the qualifying stage. He lost 6-4 6-4 to Dutchman Melle van Gemerden. The competition has attracted players ranked inside the world's top 500, who are bidding to win a first prize of around £2,400 at Sunday's final.

Bolton Arena is also hosting a women's $10,000 competition, with players competing for a share of a £5,500 prize fund.

Play in both tournaments begins at 10am each day this week, continuing until around 9pm.

The semi-finals and finals will be on Saturday and Sunday, with play beginning at 11am. Admission is free.