BOLTON-based tennis star Barry Cowan could compete against some of the world's top players in a tournament in a public park, it was announced today.

Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic, who last year became the first wildcard to win in SW19, is among the stars going back to basics to play in the UK's first major tournament to be held in a public park.

Liverpool City Council today granted permission for the Liverpool International tournament to be held the week before Wimbledon at Calderstones Park on the outskirts of the city.

Cowan, who trains at the Bolton Arena and took Pete Sampras to five sets at Wimbledon last year, could take part after organisers agreed to allow a qualifier from the area to compete.

An 8,000 seater arena will be built ready for the week-long grass court tournament, to begin on June 16.