TENNIS legend Jeremy Bates believes British number one Tim Henman still has a strong chance of lifting the coveted Wimbledon crown.

Bates gave his verdict on Henman's chances of glory in SW19 when the veteran entertained more than 100 tennis fans at Hampshire Centrecourt in Basingstoke.

Bates himself a former top-ranking British player said: "I think Wimbledon is Tim's best chance of winning a major and I still believe he has time to do it."

The Great Britain Davis Cup coach and former Wimbledon singles quarter-finalist showed he is still a useful player as he warmed up for the forthcoming Honda Challenge at the Royal Albert Hall.

The 39-year-old will be up against former Wimbledon champions John McEnroe and Pat Cash in the five-day competition starting on December 5.

During Friday's visit to Basingstoke, Bates played an exhibition singles match with Paul Hand, a former Wimbledon doubles quarter-finalist.

Bates showed all his skills to win 6-4, with Hand admitting afterwards it could have been 6-1.

It was Hand who served the opening game but Bates broke him to 15 and then held his own serve after five deuces.

Hand won the next game to love, but then Bates moved into a 4-1 lead.

Hand had the better vocal support backed by spectators with giant foam waving hands and hit back, winning two games.

Bates then won the next game as Hand missed a passing shot but followed up with the best quip of the evening as he said: "The older I get the better I was."

Hand hit back to make it 5-4 before Bates took the set 6-4. Bates said: "It was a good work-out for me as I prepare for the Honda Challenge."

Before the singles exhibition, Marston Tennis Academy stars Josh Goodall and Ant Scragg got the chance to play doubles with Bates and Hand.

Along with another Academy player, Alex Miotto, the trio are off to Kenya early next month to play in the International Tennis Federation Group 4 tournament as they look to try and make junior Wimbledon next season.

In the doubles match, Bates and Goodall beat Hand and Scragg 6-4, but both players gave a good account of themselves and certainly showed the older players they can play.

Bates said: "There is no reason why these players cannot succeed with the coaching they get and the facilities they have to play in."