McEnroe returns to defend title

Some might see it as a Hallowe'en frightener. But yesterday it was announced that Mac is coming back. The Point Depot will again be host to John McEnroe and other former tennis champions when they arrive in Dublin in February for the ATP Senior Tour.

After last year's successful event, the four times US Open Champion and three times Wimbledon winner has accepted an invitation to defend his Dublin title in the eight player event.

Although the list is not yet finalised organisers are hopeful that Bjorn Borg, Pat Cash, Guy Forget, Yannick Noah, Henri Leconte and Mats Wilander will be among those to accept invitations to play in the 3,500 seat Point Depot, which was perceived to be one of the best on the tour last year. Borg has officially retired but the organisers are hoping that he will compete with a decision expected within a month.

The four day event will be broadcast live by RTE and ticket prices for the afternoon sessions have been dropped in price in order to attract young and older spectators.

The cost will range from £7.50 for children and OAPs to £32.00.

The tour is part of a global event during which the players accumulate points at each tournament. The biggest competition is the London event which takes place in the Royal Albert Hall before Dublin.

There has been talk of former Wimbledon champions Boris Becker and Stefan Edberg joining the ranks but as yet the two apparently consider themselves a little young to take on the 40-year-olds.

The eight players will be divided into two groups of four for a round-robin series between February 22nd and 24th with the winners of each group playing a final on Sunday February 25th.

Booking at The Point Box Office: (01) 8363633 or Point Group Line: (01) 8366790 or Ticketmaster: (01) 4569569.