The new-look women's Irish Open tennis championships , sponsored by Rover Ireland, are set to provide the highlight of the home season, starting at the Riverview Club today. The championships, one of the oldest in the world, have been upgraded to a $25,000 International Tennis Federation (ITF) event. It is a commendable start by both sponsors and promoters, towards the ultimate objective of restoring the event to something closer to its former glory days.WTA ranked players will pack the draw which will be made after the qualifying process is complete over the weekend. The top 10 players can claim places from 147 to 300 on the WITA world ranking computer.Britain's Karen Cross, who created a spot of history for herself at Wimbledon this year by becoming the first British qualifier to get as far as the third round, will be in the draw.Federation Cup player Lorna Woodroffe from Epsom is also included. She beat world number 33 Patty Schnyder to reach the second round at Wimbledon.Wild cards ensure that there will be worthwhile home interest. The Irish number one Gina Niland and Claire Curran have been accepted for the main draw on such terms. Granted wild cards for entry into the qualifying rounds are Lesley O'Halloran, Yvonne Flynn, Zara Wolseley and Kelly Liggan. Tennis Ireland justifiably boast that the event has attracted the highest quality field ever to compete in an official women's ITF tour here.The championships proper get under way today with singles play at 12.30.