Doubles play was given a major boost yesterday when Tennis Ireland released details of a national club event, starting with 19 regional qualifying rounds at the end of the month.

The competition, sponsored by Rover Ireland, is aimed at middle-range players over 21. Each club team will consist of pairings in men's, women's and mixed doubles. A blitz-type format means that matches will be over 13 games and the 13th will be a tie break.

Qualifying rounds throughout the provinces will run from May 24th to July 5th with the winning pairings qualifying to compete in the national finals in Riverview from July 23rd-25th. The finals will be staged during the same weekend as the Irish Women's Open.