More than 200 junior tennis players will be on O'ahu next week for the USTA National Open, Feb. 19 to 22 at Central O'ahu Regional Park.

The girls and boys nationals for 18-under players brought some 125 players from 22 states and Canada here last year.

Entry is restricted to those who qualify through a national selection process. This is the only national tennis tournament for juniors currently played in Hawai'i.

Punahou School director of tennis Bernard Gusman brought the event to O'ahu in 2003 and is tournament director.

"We're very excited about the opportunity to host the USTA National Open Championships again this year," Gusman said.

"Over the past couple of years, with the help of local sponsors, volunteers and widespread community support, this event is emerging as one of the most popular events on the national junior tournament scene, bringing the highest level of junior tennis competition to O'ahu."

There will again be a Community Tennis Day, on Monday, Feb. 20, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., in conjunction with the event.

Community Day features tennis events and activities free and open to the public. There will be clinics and demonstrations by local tennis manufacturers and pros, for adults and juniors.

Matches begin next Saturday at 8 a.m. at CORP. Finals and third-place matches are Feb. 22 from 9 a.m.

Admission is free.

The tournament is presented by the City and County of Honolulu and Punahou Tennis Club. For more information, call assistant tournament director Lenora Wee (946-2951).