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In spite of the economic downturn, more overseas competitors are coming to take part in beach tennis in Bermuda.

The Second Annual International Beach Tennis Tournament is scheduled to take place at Horseshoe Beach on September 11 to 13.

Organizer Tony Brannon is stoked that the number of entries for overseas is up over the inaugural event.

"We have increased overseas participation. We have more people coming from overseas than we did last year, which is a victory considering it's a recessionary year, especially for young sports people who have no money. We are very fortunate."

He said in 2008, there was one person from Aruba, but this year's event has seven people signed up so far.

"We had four players from Italy last year, but this year we have eight.

"We also have four people coming from the French Reunion Islands in the Pacific Ocean. It's a family of four and two of the four are playing. That's a long way to come to play beach tennis."

He said there is also an entrant from the Czech Republic and quite a few from the United States.

He said the U.S. National Championships is this weekend and Brannon is hoping to recruit a few more to come play in Bermuda.

Local tennis great Andy Bray is going along with his wife Susie. Also competing is Liz Stewart and Brannon.

"Liz and Susie are playing ladies doubles; Andy's playing with a guy from Aruba and I'm sure they'll find some old goat to play with me, but I'm just going to cheer them on and entice a couple extra people to come down to Bermuda the following week."

Saturday's beach tennis will see some of the best from across the globe, including the world champions from Italy battling it out.

Prize money includes $2,500 for first place, $1,000 for second and $500 for third. Sunday will be for amateurs for only.

"We had a load of locals come out. We also had a fun event where we had the world champion play with somebody who had hardly played before. It made it a bit of fun and there's lots of fun prizes for the amateur event."

He said it should be a real rocking time on Saturday as the Bermuda Volleyball Association will be holding their end of the season tournament on Horseshoe Beach as well.[[In-content Ad]]

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