LANCASHIRE tennis champion Mark Schofield today dismissed Tim Henman's hopes of achieving long-awaited British success at Wimbledon.

The 22-year-old from Hoddlesden, who defeated Henman in the final of the '92 junior Masters tournament, tipped American Todd Martin to end the current grip of "Henmania" in today's quarter finals.

"Henman might get close, but if I was a gambling man I'd have to put my money on Martin," said Schofield who defends his county title in two weeks' time.

"He has a good all-round game, a big serve and a huge physical presence.

"He is very difficult to pass at the net.

"Grass is a good surface for his game and he got to the final at Queens two years ago.

"If Tim could play him on any surface, it wouldn't be grass.

"It will be a great game and there'll be great atmosphere on Centre Court.

"But I just can't see Tim winning."

Henman is the first British men's player to reach the Wimbledon quarter finals since Roger Taylor in 1973.

And Schofield predicts that one day his former junior rival can become King of Centre Court.

"He's got all the shots - technically, he's very good," said Schofield.

"He's also very strong mentally and that's what's carrying him through.

"Also his serve has become a big weapon which is vital, especially on a fast surface like grass.

"No doubt, one day Wimbledon could be his - but not this year I'm afraid."

Whatever the outcome, Henman has clearly convinced some fairly shrewd judges that British tennis players are not about as much use as chocolate teapots after all.

Wimbledon legend Martina Navratilova gave hero Henman a timely psychological boost for his showdown with Martin.

Navratilova described 21-year-old Henman as a genuine British hope with a classical style - and compared him to champion Pete Sampras.

She found time to assess Henman after starting her pursuit of a record 20th Wimbledon crown with a mixed doubles win.

"He's awesome," said Navratilova. "Tim has a classical style like Sampras but he's not quite as powerful. He doesn't blow people off court but he's so much fun to watch."

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