Ghana will host the first leg of the African Tennis Confederation (CAT) three legs professional tennis tournament from November 13 to 17 2001.

The competition with a total cash price of 4,000 dollars is scheduled for the Accra Sports Stadium Lord Courts. The 32- main draw for men and 16- main draw for ladies will then take off for the Togoleses capital of Lome for the second leg and Cotonou, Benin for the third and final legs subsequently.

It is a professional event initiative by the CAT in collaboration with the International Tennis Federation (ITF) to encourage players of African decent who cannot afford the huge expenses of going on the ATP tour to participate in such events within their regions.

The ITF/CAT are supporting, but at least half of the expenses is expected to be raised by the local organisers through sponsorship deals. Meanwhile, registration for the event expected to attract players from the sub-region is open and closes on Friday, October 19 2001.