Rain has already stopped play at Wimbledon, but scientists in Bingley are helping to ensure it does not happen in future.

Green-fingered experts at the Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI) at St Ives have been advising the world's most prestigious tennis tournament since 1951, and now they are helping to ensure the grass will stay green when a retractable roof is built over the famous centre court.

Dr Andrew Newell, STRI's head of turf grass biology, and his team have been instrumental in the design of the 5,200sq metre translucent, retractable roof, set to be installed for the 2009 tournament.

The team has developed techniques and equipment to predict light levels and advise on maintaining the all-important grass courts.

Dr Newell said: "Not only will play no longer be interrupted by poor weather during the championships but growing conditions will be improved at all times of the year."

Grounds at Wembley, Twickenham and Royal Ascot have all blossomed under the instruction of Dr Newell and his team, as leaders in consultancy and research for sports surfaces.

At this year's tournament, Dr Newell and his team will find themselves once again on centre court, not as budding seeded players, but to help head groundsman Eddie Seward and his staff to ensure the grass is perfect for play.

An STRI spokeswoman said: "After each game they monitor the playing surfaces of the courts, recording signs of wear and tear and other problems that may occur.

"These statistics are compiled into a report at the end of the tournament providing Eddie Seward with a valuable resource and a permanent record of how the Wimbledon courts perform during the championships year on year."

e-mail: mel.fairhurst@bradford.newsquest.co.uk

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