BOLTON Arena could become the long-term home of the Hastings Direct National Tennis Championships if it continues to put on such a good show writes Richard Mulligan

This is the second time that the tournament has been held at the Middlebrook site, and organisers will soon decide where next year's event will be held.

Tournament director Sarah Wooding says: "The initial agreement was for two years but there is no reason why we cannot keep the tournament here.

"It's a fantastic arena with great facilities, and the hotels and leisure park here mean that it is a good site for the players as well.

"The tournament was well supported by the public last year but we are anticipating an even better turn out this time around. I am expecting a sell-out in the latter stages.

"The Arena had only just opened when we held the tournament last year, but this year we worked closely with Bolton Metro to make sure it would be well advertised.

"The public are much more aware of the Arena as well, especially after the success of the Commonwealth Games.

"That made a big difference because it showed that the North West can put on top sporting events, and the region now seems much more prepared to embrace sports other than football and cricket.

"I think people will definitely enjoy the tournament if they come down here because the standard of tennis is improving in this country."

The players are equally pleased with the Bolton venue, and would be happy to continue to play the nationals here.

Julie Pullin, the favourite in the Ladies tournament after to Elena Baltacha's withdrawal, said: "These are really good as far as indoor courts go, they are reasonably fast and the bounce is true and quite high.

"The lighting is also good, which is important for an indoor court. The roof is very high which means that you can lob much better than you are able to at some other places.

"Little things such as catering seem to have improved since I was here a year ago. It seems to be improving all the time."

Tennis Lancashire will be providing an interactive 'Kids Zone' at the Arena until the end of the week.