The Samsung Open in Brighton has been scrapped after just one year.

It had been hoped British No.1 Tim Henman would defend his title in September.

But the LTA this week confirmed they have pulled the plug because Henman and Greg Rusedski are unavailable due to Davis Cup commitments.

They are certain to be playing for Great Britain against Ecuador which is scheduled to take place just after the proposed date for the Samsung Open. Both players will need time to acclimatise in South America and get used to the clay surface.

An LTA spokesman said: "The Samsung Open will not happen in Brighton for reasons beyond our control concerning the date and surface.

"The tournament had been scheduled before the Ecuador tie was fixed . But it created difficulties because the Davis Cup tie is being played on a different surface, clay.

"It brought the situation into sharp focus particularly with Tim and Greg's likely involvement with the British team."

The governing body were also concerned the tournament had to be financially viable and the loss of two home stars would almost certainly have limited attendances and the prospect of television coverage.

The tournament has a troubled history.

It was switched indoors to Brighton for the first time last year due to poor weather at its previous venue in Bournemouth.

But was hit by last-minute player withdrawals and disappointing attendances at The Brighton Centre. It was still intended to go ahead this year, either outdoors or in a tent on Preston Park because the Brighton Centre is unavailable.

The LTA claim it is not necessarily the end of big-time tennis in Brighton.

The spokesperson said: "The long term future for holding an event in Brighton is still a matter for discussion.

"It is currently in the hands of the ATP Board as to what they do with the week's gap in their schedule."

A tournament in Brazil, with the interest created by Gustavo Kuerten, could be slotted in.

Meanwhile, the LTA have Samsung backing for the Open in Nottingham next month. The spokesperson said: "The company has switched its sponsorship to Nottingham and we are delighted. The company is still very much onboard with us."