By the Salina Journal

The UMB Saline County Tennis Championships begin their annual five-day run today at the Ken Nordboe Tennis Complex at Oakdale Park with larger field of participants than a year ago.

Tournament director Clark Renfro said Saturday there are approximately 120 entries. Last year's tournament had about 110.

The event is open to Saline County tennis players and those who play on Saline County United States Tennis Association (USTA) teams.

The tournament's marquee division typically is the Men's Open Singles, and this year should be no exception despite the fact last year's two finalists -- champion Chandler Brass and runner-up Nathan Martin -- aren't entered. Brass plays for New Mexico, and Martin for Washburn.

The tournament's marquee division typically is the Men's Open Singles, and this year should be no exception despite the fact last year's two finalists -- champion Chandler Brass and runner-up Nathan Martin -- aren't entered. Brass plays for New Mexico, and Martin for Washburn.

Among this year's favorites, according to Renfro, are former Bethany College and Salina South player Jon Feyerherm, who advanced to the semifinals last year; Salina Central player Connor Brass; and Bethany signee Adam Hambleton, a native of Whiteley Village, England.

Hambleton will play for the Swedes this coming season after transferring from Seward County, where he helped the Saints finish ninth in the National Junior College Athletic Association's national tournament in May.

Another strong division figures to be the nine-team Men's Open Doubles. Former Salina South standout Kenya Gillespie is teamed with his former coach Bob Warkentine. Gillespie, a former state champion, is a student at Yale while Warkentine is principal at Solomon High School.

Other contenders are Wes McKee and Trevor Welsh, who played for Bethany this spring; Hambleton and Aaron Angst; Feyerherm and Mark Talbott; Bethany assistant coach and Salina Country Club pro Brent Mooney and his partner Noah Lindors; and the Salina Central tandem of Will Exline and Craig Knox.

"Really anybody one through nine could come out of that," Renfro said. "There's not a heavy favorite. It's going to be fun to watch it."

Renfro said there will not be a Women's Open Singles division because of a lack of entries. A similar fate could befall the Women's Open Doubles division, where one powerhouse team is enter -- Amanda Morris and her younger sister Abby.

Amanda played for Salina Central last year and placed third in the Class 5A state tournament. She has signed a letter of intent with Emporia State. Abby Morris will play for the Mustangs this fall.

Singles play begins today and doubles Tuesday. Semifinals will be played Thursday with finals slated for Friday.