HAMPSHIRE'S brightest tennis talent compete in the prestigious clay court summer series finals this weekend.

Six young players have qualified for the tournament and will play at different venues all over the country.

Leading the challenge in the under-11 event at Hatfield, Hertfordshire, will be North Baddesley's James Chaudry.

Chaudry, a National Futures player, who is coached by former Davis Cup player and British number one Chris Wilkinson, should be particularly well prepared for the challenge after some recent practice in Barcelona.

He trained on clay courts with top Spanish players and his game is said to be well suited to the slower courts.

Wilkinson said: "James is a good worker. He is a good competitor and very quick around the court."

Others to have qualified for the finals include the gifted Karim Aoui Chaoiu, Pete Francis, Lisa Radford, Dan Cochrane and Hannah Price.

"They are all excellent prospects," said Wilkinson.

The Hampshire under-10 teams played in their regional matches of the county cup last weekend.

The boys' team enjoyed an excellent 4-1 win over rivals Surrey thanks to unbeaten performances by Dan Cochrane and David Charlton.

They currently lead the Channel Islands 2-1, with squad members Michael Gilks and Tom Mahoney also playing an important part.

Charlotte Beard starred for the girls' under-10s on her county debut with three victories.

The team, which also included Charlotte Ames and Sophie Nelson, beat the Channel Islands 4-1, but lost to Surrey by the same margin.