strongest-ever XL Capital Bermuda Open at Coral Beach Club.

A number of pros ranked in the world's top 100 have confirmed their entry, prompting tournament manager Maribeth Anderson yesterday to compare the depth of this year's week-long $100,000 event with an ATP World Series or Super Nine tournament.

"In terms of the number of quality players we have, it's certainly our strongest field since 1996, possibly our strongest ever,'' said Anderson.

"The singles is going to be very tough, but we're also excited about the doubles. That's going to be incredibly competitive.'' Included in that doubles field are no less than three players who at one time or another have been ranked number one in the world -- India's Leander Paes, Australia's Todd Woodbridge, and American Richie Reneberg, all of whom will also play singles.

Add into that mix two-time US Open champion and Bermuda resident Pat Rafter who, as he continues his comeback from shoulder surgery, will play doubles only with fellow Aussie Paul Kilderry, and the playful Jensen brothers, Luke and Murphy, and the doubles event promises to provide some of next week's most entertaining action.

Seedings for both the singles and doubles won't be determined until Sunday, but it is likely that Australian Andrew Ilie, who celebrated his 24th birthday last Tuesday, will be ranked number one in the 32-player singles draw.

A week ago he defeated compatriot Jason Stoltenberg in the final of an ATP tournament in Atlanta and moved up to number 33 in the current ATP Champions Race which reflects performances this year. Stoltenberg, a former Wimbledon semi-finalist, will also be at Coral Beach and likely to be seeded number two.

While two-time defending singles champion Hernan Gumy of Argentina won't be returning, other top names in the field include Haiti's Ronald Agenor, Germany's Tomas Behrend, Kenneth Carlsen of Denmark, American Justin Gimelstob, Chilean Nicolas Massu, Jan Siemerink of the Netherlands and Czech Daniel Vacek.

Throughout today and tomorrow as many as 26 hopefuls, including Bermuda's own James Collieson and Donald Evans, will compete in the qualifying rounds, bidding for four vacant spots in the main event.

OPEN FACTFILE What: 2000 XL Capital Bermuda Open Where: Coral Beach Club, Paget When: Qualifying tournament -- today and tomorrow, starting at 9.00 a.m.; Main event -- Monday-Thursday, 11.00 a.m., 6.30 p.m.; Friday, 12.00 noon, 7.00 p.m.; Saturday, 1.00 p.m.; Sunday, 2.00 p.m.

Prize-money: $100,000 Who: Invited players -- Ronald Agenor (Haiti), Tomas Behrend (Germany), Agustin Calleri (Argentina), Kenneth Carlsen (Denmark), Justin Gimelstob (USA), Markus Hantschk (Germany), Andrew Ilie (Australia), Fredrik Jonsson (Sweden), Sebastien Lareau (Canada), Lorenzo Manta (Switzerland), Nicolas Massu (Chile), Leander Paes (India), Alexander Popp (Germany), Gianluca Pozzi (Italy), Andre Sa (Brazil), Jan Siemerink (Holland), Paradorn Srichaphan (Thailand), Jason Stoltenberg (Australia), Michal Tabara, Laurence Tieleman (Italy), Jiri Vanek (Czech Republic), Daniel Vacek (Czech Republic), Thomas Zib (Czech Republic), James Blake (USA), Brandon Coupe (USA), Jim Grabb (USA), Brent Haygarth (South Africa), Luke Jensen (USA), Murphy Jensen (USA), Paul Kilderry (Australia), Giovanni Lapentti (Ecuador), Mark Merklein (USA), Pat Rafter (Australia), Michael Sell (USA), Michael Tebbutt (Australia).

Man in form: Australian Andrew Illie, a winner in Atlanta last weekend, is expected to be the top seed for the XL Capital Bermuda Open.