Bunhill: Real family

ANYBODY passing Queens Club in west London later this month may wonder why a French vineyard that makes wine that few in this country can afford has gone to the trouble of sponsoring the European Real Tennis doubles championship. As ever, there is a simple and typically Gallic explanation.

Bruno Prats owns Cos d'Estournel, one of Bordeaux's finest clarets. His son, Jean- Guillaume, is the best real tennis player in France. Bruno wants to support his son's game but, under French law, wine makers may not sponsor sports tournaments. So Queens - and not Fontainebleau as in previous years - will host this year's championship. Jean- Guillaume will play, of course.