Sutton Junior Tennis Centre is welcoming some of Britain's top tennis players in a women's $25,000 tournament that got under way yesterday.

Competing alongside a host of rising British stars, a number of experienced foreign professionals will also be vying for the singles and doubles titles. With prize money and world ranking points up for grabs, the competition will be extremely fierce.

Carl Maes, LTA Head of Women's Tennis, said: "The tournament in Sutton next week will provide some of Britain's up and coming players with the opportunity to compete against often older and more experienced foreign opposition. This level of competition is an important rung of the ladder to the professional game for many of the younger players.

Maes continued: "It is fantastic for the local area that Sutton is hosting an international tournament of such quality. I encourage all tennis fans to come and watch the matches as I believe they will be surprised and excited by the high standard of tennis being played."

Among the world ranked British players on show will be South London's Naomi Cavaday and Anna Smith. Cavaday, residing in Chislehurst, is 18 years-old and has a world ranking of 190; meanwhile Smith, residing in Sanderstead, is 19 years-old and has a world ranking of 434. Other Brits competing include Sarah Borwell, Amanda Elliott, Katharina Brown and Jocelyn Rae.

The finals will be played on Sunday. Admission is free and all spectators are welcome.