The Classique nets Bates for launch

FORMER England tennis number one Jeremy Bates joined business leaders for the launch of The Classique – the  high profile veteran’s tennis event taking place in Cheshire this summer.

The three-day event takes place ar the De Vere Mottram Hall and begins on June 8.

Among those taking part are former Wimbledon winner Richard Krajicek, French stars Henri Leconte and Cedric Pioline and Sweden’s Anders Jarryd, a former Wimbledon semi-finalist.

The launch took place at Boodles in Manchester. The upmarket North West jeweller is one of the headline sponsors of The Classique, along with wealth management firm Credit Suisse and Bluebell BMW.

Tournament director, Vicky Collins, said: “The Classique is an ideal opportunity for business people to break out of the boardroom and entertain current or prospective clients.

“Guests will not only be able to watch some of the most famous names in tennis play against each other, but in a beautiful, intimate setting.”