Plan ahead Plan ahead

The popularity, and quality of basketball in Britain continues to ascend with the London Towers, pre-eminent in all competitions last season, leading the way. The triple champions test their skills against international opposition as they host the Sainsbury's Classic Cola Basketball Tournament at Wembley Arena next month.

The opposition will pose a real test for coach Kevin Cadle's rapidly improving team. The highly rated Greek team, Peristeri, will be in attendance bringing some of Europe's top players, and most fanatical fans, to challenge Britain's best. The Greek basketball league is one of the strongest in Europe and has been the first league to tempt a 'top' American player away from the National Basketball Association (NBA) to play in Europe.

The Portuguese team FC Porto and touring American side, Athletes in Action, comprise the rest of the competing quartet. This tournament offers entertainment for both hardened basketball fans and those who are unfamiliar with the game.

Fans will not only be dazzled by the on-court action from competing teams, there will also be entertainment from the 'Luvbulls' who are the cheerleading team from the world famous NBA Champions, the Chicago Bulls. There are aslo additional prizes on offer including pounds 15,000, a car and a trip to Chicago.

Sainsbury's Classic Cola Tournament ticket prices are pounds 8 adults and pounds 5 children per day. Weekend tickets are also available at pounds 12 for adults and pounds 8 for children.

Group bookings of ten or more tickets will receive 1 ticket free. There is also a limited number of courtside premium tickets priced at pounds 12.50 adults and pounds 8 for children per-day.

Tickets can be booked now via the Wembley Ticket Office on 0181 900 1234 or by telephoning the London Towers Hotline on 0171 722 6677.

Details of forthcoming events with information on tickets and venues should be sent to: The Sports Desk, The Independent, 1 Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 5DL. Fax: 0171 293 2894.