LEADING wheelchair tennis players head to the region this week for what has become an annual North-East tournament.
The NEC Wheelchair Tennis Tour, which comes under the auspices of the International Tennis Federation, stops off in Sunderland for four days, from Thursday.
One of only three world ranking tournaments staged in this country, it has attracted entries from France, Belgium, Switzerland, Greece, the Netherlands and Russia.
A record 40 players, the highest number attracted to the event, are expected to provide wheelchair tennis at a world class level.
The Puma Tennis Centre, off Silksworth Lane, is the setting with play, starting at 9.30am on each of the four days, culminating in the finals, on Sunday.
Sheffield's Kevin Plowman, ranked 25 in the world, will defend the men's title he took last year, with his main opposition coming from five other players in the world's top 50.
France's Florence Gravellier, ranked eighth in the world, is favourite for the women's event, with her main opposition expected to come from British number two Janet McMoran, ranked 18th in the world.
Admission is free each day and further information is available from the centre, on 0191-553 5905.
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