of taking their game up a level during a trip to the United States this month.

Tara Lambert, 18, and Danielle Downey, 14, can hardly wait to immerse themselves in an environment of self-improvement at the International Tennis Federation camp at Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

And after the intensive training from top coaches and former professional players in the camp, they will be among 17 youngsters from Bermuda to go to Atlanta, to compete in the Georgia Junior Open.

Before playing each other in the 18-and-under girls singles final of the Junior Masters Grand Prix at the Tennis Stadium yesterday, Lambert and Downey reflected on the benefits the trip would give them.

"We need more of the juniors going overseas to gain international exposure,'' said Lambert.

She said her previous experience of a junior tennis camp in America had shown her what could be achieved.

"They concentrate heavily on footwork and fitness and touch up your game and try to turn your weaknesses into strengths,'' added Lambert.

"It's very hard work and after we come back from America, where it's work, work, work, there should be a programme to make us work harder here in Bermuda.'' Lambert and Downey both featured in Bermuda's Federation Cup team which travelled to Costa Rica in February. They beat Antigua, but lost to strong teams from Peru and Jamaica.

Lambert said: "When you compared us to the other teams, you would say we could have been more fit.'' For the girls, it will be a test to play tough opposition in the Georgia Open, but both have been there before and Downey was in confident mood.

"It will be hard work at the camp, but it should prepare us well for the tournament,'' said Downey, a student at Bermuda High School.

"This will be my third year at the tournament and I've had a bit of success, won a couple of matches, so this time I'll be trying to go right to the end.'' Yesterday's final ended with Lambert defeating Downey 7-6, 6-1.

The 14-and-under players will travel first, with Downey being joined by Jovan Whitter at the ITF Camp from July 5 to 16.

They will move on to compete in Atlanta from July 17 to 22, along with Zoe, Kara and Sasha Fisher, Ashley Brooks, Kyle Williams, John Masters, Gavin Manders, Philip Sousa and Michael Higginbottom.

Four 18-and-unders, Lambert, Danielle Paynter, Craig Bean and Jevon Roberts, will travel to Florida for 11 days at the ITF camp from July 12.

They will compete in the second week of the Georgia tournament, along with Zara DeSilva and Crystal Lambert.

Stars of the future: Danielle Downey (left) and Tara Lambert (right) show their distinctive styles in opposition to each other in yesterday's Junior Masters Grand Prix but they will both be representing Bermuda at a tournament in Atlanta shortly.