Tennis Ireland is set to be among the first national associations to benefit from a joint agreement between the International Tennis Federation and the Association of Tennis Professional (ATP) for the promotion of "Futures" events.
Play in the new ATP points event, designed as an additional option to satellites and challengers for aspirant players who are around the 200 mark in the world rankings, gets under way with qualifying rounds at Riverview in Dublin on Monday.
Heading a lengthy list of overseas players is the young Dutchman Rogier Wassen, currently ranked 254. Wild cards for the main draw are provided for all four members of the Ireland Davis Cup team.
Scott Barron (697) is the best-ranked Irish player and Tommy Hamilton, ranked as third best doubles player on the US collegiate circuit, will be using the event to launch his professional career.
Owen Casey and John Doran receive the remaining main draw wild cards. Four other Irish players - Sean Cooper David Mullins, Robert Collins and Joe Green - merit wild cards into the qualifiers.
Players from Austria, Italy, Japan, South Africa, Belgium, Senegal and Holland pack a main draw of considerable quality.
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