County captains have launched a bid to return the LTA Indoor Winter Championships to a six-man playing team.
The Lawn Tennis Association introduced a four-person structure for the first time this winter and the move was not welcomed by captains.
They feared that only picking four players from a six-strong squad reduced the chances of younger players getting experience.
Following the championships earlier this month, which saw Essex promoted from Group 2A to the top flight, Essex men's captain Jamie Willson and fellow skippers met up to discus the situation.
"I hope the LTA will listen to feedback and I hope that for the juniors' sake that the competition will go back to six players again," said Jamie, who lives in Westcliff.
"I have made several positive suggestions to Jane Fitzgibbon at the LTA and she has emailed me for possible comments.
"It is good Essex won with a four-man team because we cannot be accused of sour grapes for wanting a return to six players."
Before this year counties took eight players to the event, with six of them being picked to play on each of the three days of the tournament.
The switch to four players was introduced to reduce costs but meant that only six players could be named in the squad.
The captains are concerned that younger players will not gain vital tournament experience which they believe will hamper Britain's chances of bringing through more top class competitors.
Published Thursday, December 12, 2002
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