Surprise hit Eaton rules out Newport

Chris Eaton, who made such an impact as a qualifier at Wimbledon this year, has decided to stay on the challenger circuit for the next two months rather than head to a North American grasscourt tournament.

Having won more than £17,000 - the biggest pay day of his young career - the world No661 was ready to jump on a plane and try to qualify for the Campbells Hall of Fame championships at Newport, Rhode Island.

But Eaton whose ranking is to jump around 200 places following his qualifying run and success in reaching the main draw second round, has opted to attempt to maintain his good run against lower ranked players rather than stick to grass - even though more favours his powerful service game.

The Newport tournament, won twice by Greg Rusedski, is the last grass-court tournament of the year before the American hardcourt season begins.

The event will this year feature the induction of former French Open champion Michael Chang into the Hall of Fame.