THE Nike Junior International returns to the USN Bolton Arena today when a host of the world's top young tennis stars will compete for victory.

Players aged 14 and under will battle it out for the title in the grade one tournament, which has featured a number of bright young things in its 20-year history.

Andy Murray is just one of the names who have competed at the Nike Junior International before going on to achieve considerable success in the professional game.

The roll-call of former competitors also includes Eugenie Bouchard, Caroline Wozniacki, Justine Henin, Kim Clijsters, Ursula Radwanska, Lucie Safarova, who all made it into the top 10 in the women's tour.

Marcus Baghdatis and Tomas Berdych have also locked horns at the tournament in the past, while, more recently, the event has also seen exciting young players such as Laura Robson and Stefan Kozlov make their international bow.

This year, players from more than 20 countries, including Canada, Japan, and USA, will be converging on the USN Bolton Arena.

The boys' list is headed up by Brit Jack Draper, who has recently become the number one ranked player in Europe.

The 13-year-old from Surrey will be looking to follow in the footsteps of Murray, who won the event in 2001.

Bulgarian Adrian Andreev, who is currently ranked four in Europe, will also be a strong contender for the title, as will the strong contingent of North American players.

Finland’s Oona Orpana, ranked six in Europe, is favourite in the girls' event, and there will also be great interest around 12-year-old Japanese player Himari Sato, who was top seed at the prestigious 12&U Orange Bowl event in Florida last month, finishing runner-up at an event often referred to as the unofficial world championships.

Richard Joyner, tournament director, said: "The event is steeped in history, with a seriously good roll of honour, and it genuinely is a great chance to see some of the stars of the future.

"The number of players who have gone on to reach the world’s top 10, and win Grand Slam titles as professional players speaks for itself."

Qualifying will be held today and tomorrow, with matches in the main draw taking place from Sunday through to next Friday, January 23.

Entry for spectators is free of charge throughout the week, with play starting 10am.