Anyone for a real tennis racket?

Distributor executive takes on world in favourite game of Henry VIII

VIP Computers sales director Dave Stevinson has been picked to represent Manchester in the historic sport of real tennis.

Stevinson (pictured, in his real tennis kit) has reportedly achieved a global rank of about 2,000 in the sport, which differs from the better-known 19th century game of lawn tennis played at Wimbledon and other high-profile venues.

"I will be in the second string against Queens Club, Barons Court, London, playing at Blackfriars Road, Manchester," Stevinson said.

He said that he had started playing competitively about six years ago, having got into the game on the suggestion of a friend.

"I have not looked back. I now train or play at least three days a week -- often five days a week," Stevinson told Channelweb.

Aficionados of the recent successful TV drama The Tudors will know that Henry VIII was a keen player of real tennis, which is believed to date from the 16th century.

In fact, the game is still played today at Hampton Court, one of Henry VIII's many palaces.

"Henry VIII used to play it a lot. It requires incredible skill and complex thought due to the complexity of the rules," Stevinson said.