THE Bolton Arena has launched an ambitious bid to bring Davis Cup tennis to the town writes Marc Iles

Britain's top court stars, including Greg Rusedski and Andrew Murray could compete for the national team at the £14.3 million Arena early next year, if plans are accepted by the International Tennis Federation.

Britain face either Israel or Serbia and Montenegro in February, and the winner will play either Ukraine or Belgium two months later in Euro/Africa Zone Group One.

Both matches could be played at the Arena, if adequate seating arrangements can be made to cater for crowds of around 8,000.

Davis Cup tennis has traditionally been played at venues in the south and Midlands, including the 15,000-seater NEC Arena in Birmingham.

But Arena bosses are confident that, following Britain's relegation from the top tier of the tournament, a smaller and more intimidating venue would be more suitable.

Arena tennis co-ordinator, Stuart Kay, said the venue proposed to install 2,000 permanent seats to help stage major sporting tournaments in the future.

"We are confident that, if the seating was in place, we could bring major events like the Davis Cup up north.

"The group Britain have been put into is not the most attractive, so it is unlikely they will try and fill something the size of the NEC Arena.

"Something like the Arena - an eight-court venue, with 6,000-8,000 seats, packed to the rafters, would be a much more exciting prospect."

The plans have also been backed by players on the LTA Tour, currently playing at the Arena as part of the Men's £10,000 Future's Competition.

Number one seed for the tournament, and British number five, Mark Hilton said he would welcome a move away from established venues in the south.

The Cheshire-based 25-year-old, who is currently on the fringes of the Davis Cup squad, said: "I have played here a few times, and it is a great facility.

"It's nicer than a lot of other venues we play at on the tour.

"Personally, I think it's a great idea to bring these events away from the south.

"Especially because I'm from this end of the country, but it encourages more people out to watch tennis, and that can only be a good thing for the sport."