FORMER world number one tennis player Jim Courier will be returning to Bermuda in April to compete in the Champions Challenge ? the exhibition event scheduled during the XL Bermuda Open at Coral Beach's clay courts.

Courier will play on the evening of Friday, April 21.

Recently organisers of the annual event announced that Australian Mark Philippoussis ? nicknamed the Scud for his thundering serve ? will be competing in the tournament for the first time. The 6'5" right-hander has won a total of 10 ATP singles titles and three doubles titles on the world pro tour.

Courier turned pro in 1988 and is a four-time Grand Slam champion. He ruled the tennis world in the early 1990s capturing back-to-back titles at the Australian Open in 1992 and 1993 and back-to-back titles at the French Open in 1991 and 1992. He spent a total of 58 weeks in the world number one spot in 1992 and 1993 and was also an integral part of Davis Cup competition. In 1992 he won a decisive four-set match to capture the title for the US over Switzerland. He also claimed another Davis Cup title when the US defeated Russia in 1995.

Courier said of his second visit to Bermuda: "It will be terrific to be back in Bermuda playing again at the XL Champions Challenge. I was a bit under the weather last year so I am ready to play up to my capabilities this time and hopefully spend some time having fun on the island."

Tournament director, Alec Anderson, has also confirmed that Frenchman Cedric Pioline will be joining Courier in the Champions Challenge.

Pioline reached a career high world ranking of number four in the world in 2000 and captured five career singles titles.

This year's XL Bermuda Open will be run from April 15-23. The world class ATP Tour professional tennis event will stage its 13th tournament at Coral Beach.

Qualifying rounds will be held on April 15 and 16 with the main draw commencing on Monday, April 17.