SIMON Roberts will be the man to beat in the Bolton Tennis Tournament which starts tomorrow.

The 35th annual event promise to produce a competitive men's competition with the top four seeds all previous winners of the town title.

Roberts, who has had a world ranking during his career and has been Bolton's outstanding tennis player of recent times, is the number one seed.

Last year's winner, Chris Nott, is seeded second with Jonny Shacklady and John Lister third and fourth, respectively.

A four are ranked at 3.2 or above in the National Rating Scheme which gives an indication of the high quality of tennis in prospect in the tournament.

The tournament consists of 19 separate events catering for players of all ages and standards.

For the first time in years it will not be held at Bolton School due to a planning application to undertake significant work on the site.

Instead the action will take place at three venues – Markland Hill Lawn Tennis Club, Lostock Tennis Club and Meadow Hill Tennis Club beginning at 5.45pm tomorrow.

On Saturday will start at 11.30am at Markland Hill and at 1.30pm at the other venues.

On Sunday only the Markland Hill venue will be used – again starting at 11.30am – due to access to Meadow Hill and Lostock being closed until 5.30pm because of the Ironman UK event taking place on the same day.

The early start on Saturday is to ensure most of the junior boys events can be played over the first weekend – a tricky task due to a high number of entries and the loss of courts on Sunday.

Some boys will play a lot of tennis over the first three days.

Play will continue each evening at 5.45pm at each venue, although as the tournament progresses there may be less play at some venues.

Markland Hill will be the administrative centre for the tournament which runs daily until finals day a week on Saturday.

Entrance is free for spectators at all three venues where viewing facilities are good. Lostock and Markland Hill will provide hot and cold snacks and both will have their bars open, with non-alcoholic drinks available at Meadow Hill.

The Bolton News will provide daily reports on the competition.