The battle for number one takes on a whole new meaning when the Sonesta Beach Singles Tennis Classic begins today with seven matches on tap at the Southampton hotel.

With yesterday's official confirmation that the Grotto Bay Open would be cancelled this year, there will be renewed pressure on Michael Way to retain his number one ranking.

Of the three major tournaments staged on the Island this year, Way -- seeded number one at Sonesta Beach -- has won only one of the two events he's competed in, the Heineken Open last May.

Declared a rejuvenated Way yesterday: "I'll be fighting to keep my number one.'' Ricky Mallory defeated Way at Pomander Gate in June while Mike Curry won the Seagram's Open last week.

With three different winners in the three major tournaments this year the most coveted prize in Island tennis is suddenly up for grabs.

But the Davis Cup player has a proven track record against the only person capable right now of supplanting him as number one.

Way has beaten Mike Curry, seeded second at Sonesta, three times during the last four years.

Way will need to slam the door on any challengers to his throne in the final two events on this year's Bermuda Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) calendar -- the Sonesta and All Bermuda Open beginning on September 21.

The 36-year-old Curry, from Connecticut, was the men's A finalist at Sonesta last year, losing to Sam Maybury 7-5, 6-0 in the final. Last Saturday he beat Steve Bean at Port Royal 1-6, 7-6, 6-2.

Way, 30 next month, acknowledged yesterday that Curry could be a formidable challenge.

The record book would suggest otherwise, however, with Way never dropping a set against Curry in three matches -- 6-4, 6-4 at Grotto Bay, 6-2, 6-2 at Coral Beach and 6-4, 6-3 at Pomander Gate.

"Curry has a chance to take over number one with a victory,'' said Way yesterday. "I wouldn't want to lose to him anytime. He's actually dangerous.

He can get really hot for a couple of games, but he can't put a whole match together very often. I beat him pretty easily the last time I met him at Coral Beach on clay. He's a very confident player.'' Curry, absent from the top 10 at the end of 1994 in singles but ranked fifth in doubles, said a number of things would have to occur if he was to knock Way off his perch.

One thing in Curry's favour is that Ricky Mallory and defending Sonesta champion Gregg Frigerio will not be playing at Sonesta.

"And I feel no pressure at all,'' said Curry. "I play for fun. I'd feel pressure if $1,000 was on the line. I can definitely put some fear in him.'' Curry is also in the best shape since coming to Bermuda with a sore left heel now fully recovered.

Way, however, always seems to rise to the occasion especially when there is plenty on the line. He has also been working on his fitness while spending the summer teaching tennis.

Seeded third at Sonesta will be Brian Way, while BLTA president David Lambert is ranked number four. The remaining seeds are Earl Leader, Mark Cordeiro, Roger Marshall and Martin Zolnai.

Meantime, in the women's division, Donna Bradshaw will be making her celebrated return to Island tennis after a year's absence. She could be seeded number one with the other top seeds being Kelly Way Holland and Kim Simmons.

It's uncertain whether defending champion Wendy Frost will be competing.

There are 40 men and 15 women signed up for the tournament with the top prize being a two-night stay for two at the Sonesta. The second prize is dinner for two at the hotel.

Meanwhile, Grotto Bay pro Ray Knight said yesterday that the four-year-old Grotto Bay tournament would not be held this year because of "tennis-related'' commitments that will keep him off the Island.

The tournament has been a popular one with players since its inception in 1991, replacing the Rothman's tournament which was held at Castle Harbour.

"If somebody else wanted to do a tournament during that date that's fine, but I just can't let someone come down and run this tournament,'' said Knight.

The tournament was the brainchild of former Grotto Bay pro John Sinclair and has been a spawning ground for top juniors James Collieson and Jens Birkenheim.

MIKE CURRY -- has an opportunity to dethrone Bermuda's reigning number one Michael Way.