By Nangamso Mabindla
8 February 2008

ONE of tennis' top umpires, Gerry Armstrong, is headed down to East London to be the ATP tour supervisor for the Mercedes Benz-presented SAA Tennis Open, to be played at Selborne Park from 11 to 17 February.

Armstrong, who has a soft spot for South Africa, arrived in the country on Monday. South African Tennis Association (Sata) chief executive Ian Smith, who is the country's highest qualified tennis official, will continue his role as tournament referee, with American Joan Vormbaum as chief of umpires.

Speaking about Armstrong's qualifications, Smith said that last year the All England Club appointed him as assistant referee to Wimbledon tournament referee Andrew Jarrett.

"Armstrong is no stranger to South Africa and was a chair umpire at the 1995 South African Open at Westridge Park. He spent some 10 years on the tennis tour before taking up umpiring," said Smith

Armstrong's first Wimbledon as an official was in 1973.

Vornbaum umpired the 1984 US Open final between Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert. She has also officiated at grand slam matches at the US Open.

The presence of international umpires will have a positive effect on the Eastern Cape's up-and-coming umpires. About 15 officials from the province have been recruited and trained to assist with officiating requirements. In total 35 officials will be from previously disadvantaged communities, including 12 of the local East London officials.

Smith said that with this training, it was possible that fewer up-country officials would be required, as the local umpires would have some international experience after the SAA Open.

"Additional training will then commence with local individuals who have already started to show interest based on the hive of activities taking place in East London."

Smith said that Sata was committed to giving the community of Buffalo City every opportunity to assist in the organisation of the tournament. "We have recruited local officials from the Walter Sisulu University's sports management division and have trained them to work as line umpires," he said.