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Tennis champion Andy Bray could finally have some competition on his hands.

Players from Jamaica's Davis and Fed Cup teams are being flown in to help bolster the field for the Argus Open in July, raising the possibility that a non-resident could take the title - and end Bray's stranglehold on all domestic tournaments.

And tennis chief David Lambert is hoping other sponsors will follow Argus' lead and fly in more quality players to make Bermuda's four 'majors' more competitive. He said the Elbow Beach tournament would be bringing in overseas stars next year and the Bermuda Lawn Tennis Association was in talks with the title sponsors over a similar move for the Island Construction Open.

Lambert will meet with Katrina Adams, of the U.S. Tennis Association, this week in a bid to hammer out a reciprocal agreement allowing their players to compete in Bermuda's tournaments and the top players from Bermuda to compete in the States.

"It's all about exposure and giving our players different opposition to play against."

He added that Bermuda's Island Games squad, including Bray, David Thomas and Gavin Manders, would be back for the Argus Open - something he is keen to continue in future tournaments.

"We want to invite back all our overseas players for the major Bermuda tournaments as well. I'm not saying they'll all beat Andy Bray but it would be good to give him a bit more to think about."

Bray will have plenty to think about when the Argus Open gets under way on July 5 with the Jamaican contingent, including Dane Vernon and Yusuf Migoko - the top two amateurs in their homeland, come to town.

The Jamaican women held a playoff on Thursday to determine who would get the spots to come to Bermuda. Those results were not known at press time.

"This is an exciting year for the Argus Open," said Phil Nearon, president of the All Bermuda Tennis Club.

"Bermuda has a solid reputation for great tennis and on behalf of the All Bermuda Tennis Club, we extend our thanks and appreciation to the Argus Group for continuing to support the tennis community.

"We expect this year's tournament to be one of the most exciting to date and we hope that people come out to cheer on the players, some of whom will get to play against select members of the Jamaican Davis and Fed Cup teams."

Players are invited to participate in the following categories: Men's A and B Singles, Ladies' A and B Singles, Mixed Doubles, Men's Doubles and Ladies' Doubles.[[In-content Ad]]

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