THE Bolton Arena is being tested for the first time this week - and it is passing with flying colours.

The National Tennis Championships are almost half way through and the players are enjoying the new venue.

Nearly all have been complimentary, including last year's winner Lee Childs.

"I always liked Telford where we used to play," said the 19-year-old, moments after completing a second round victory against Simon Dickson yesterday.

"But this Arena in Bolton is good and I enjoyed it a lot more today. The courts are smooth and it looks impressive with the main showpiece court set up."

Yesterday was the first time the public were charged to go in but it did not seem to deter anyone.

There was a healthy crowd milling around and some entertaining moments on the five courts in use.

Even if you dislike tennis there are things to look forward to. Take James Smith, beaten by Jamie Delgado at the Arena.

He is obviously on a personal mission to become the next John McEnroe, even blaming the curtain for one error. On missing another shot screamed a four letter expletive, which highly amused the two ten-year-olds next to me.

The umpire hit him with a code violation, and Smith shouted "Yer, give us another one why don't you". I never knew tennis could be this entertaining.

The standard was excellent too.

Tim Henman and Greg Rusedski might not be there - after all the prize money for the winner is £5,000, mere pocket money to the big two Brits - but every other top player in the country is playing.

The women were particularly impressive and, given that Britain's top woman Julie Pullin is ranked 163 in the world, it makes you realise just how good the likes of Martina Hingis and the Williams sisters must be.

In short, the championships are well worth going to, a rare chance to see some top class tennis without having to travel 200 miles south.

The best day to go is Saturday, when the finals of the Mens, Ladies and Doubles take place. Prepare for plenty of sweat and toil, cracking shots and powerful volleys and probably some first class swearing.

Tickets are available from the Arena Box Office on 01204 488 100.