Tim Henman will defend his Samsung Open title in Brighton next year.

The ATP Tour has given the new city the tournament for the second year, bringing it forward from November to September 10-16.

Organisers are still to decide on a venue because the Brighton Centre, which staged the event last month, is unavailable because the TUC are holding their conference that week.

Promoter Andy Dwyer, of CSS Stella, said: "It's a pain we can't put it on at the Centre but that problem is only for one year. It is a fallow year.

"We want to establish the tournament in Brighton for the next ten years. I know the Council would like it. After all, it is a major international sporting event in a city now pushing for European city of culture.

"The ATP Tour were happy, so were the LTA and the sponsors, with the way it went last month. The players loved the event and the city. We want it to blossom from there."

The Dome has been looked at as a venue for 2001. But Dwyer said: "They are working on it and that work isn't completed until next November."

The option of holding the event in a tent on Preston Park or on outside courts is being considered.

Australian superstar Lleyton Hewitt and US Open champion Marat Safin may join Henman in Brighton.

Dwyer said: "We could try to entice them as we are playing it on a hard surface they like, whether it is indoor or outdoor.

"It is a better date because it still falls in the time many in the United Kingdom think the tennis season is run."