Chanda Rubin has warned her rivals she will not give up her Eastbourne crown without a fight.

The American ace faces stiff competition from the likes of Lindsay Davenport, Jennifer Capriati and Daniela Hantuchova in the Hastings Direct Championships at Devonshire Park.

Rubin, seeded two, said: "It's a very strong field this year. There is a lot of depth and it's probably one of the strongest tournaments they've had.

"It's always good to pit yourself against some of the best players and try to come out on top. You can't take the first couple of rounds for granted, because you are up against players in the top 20. For me it's important to get comfortable on grass again.

"Once I do that early on it just opens up from there. It is then about who is the better person on a particular day and I like my chances in that situation.

"I am coming here after some really gutsy play on clay. I feel like I'm hitting the ball well and this surface is definitely conducive to my game, so I feel good about my chances."

Rubin, the world No. 7, is in much better shape than last year when she overcame injury problems to become only the second unseeded champion in the history of the event.

"Coming into the tournament last year I hadn't played as many matches," she said.

"I hadn't played for consecutive months, so I feel much better on that score this year.

"It feels good coming back to a tournament where you have done well. I've always enjoyed playing here and it's a good step for me to take before Wimbledon."

Rubin surprisingly has never done better than last year's fourth round appearance at Wimbledon. Serena Williams beat her in straight sets on her way to the title.

"I haven't done as well at Wimbledon as I would expect and that is something I just want to go and change this year," Rubin said.

"That's the place where you want to play the best."

The top four seeds have byes through to the second round. Rubin, with Capriati and Jelena Dokic in her half of the draw, faces the winner of the first round clash between Elena Bovina and Tamarine Tanasugarn.

The top class field and a more flexible playing schedule has persuaded the BBC to continue tournament coverage after they threatened to pull the plug.

Friday's semi-finals and the final on Saturday are starting earlier than normal, at 11.30am and midday respectively, which means the BBC's coverage of Royal Ascot will not be interrupted.