Tennis chiefs insist the Eastbourne women's event is safe - even though they are looking for a new sponsor.

Hastings Direct have ended their four-year association with the pre-Wimbledon tournament at Devonshire Park.

The Bexhill-based insurance company was sold in October for £140 million to Insurance Australia Group, the second largest general insurer in Australia.

Annual backing by Hastings worth £350,000 has helped the tournament attract star names like Kim Clijsters and last year's winner and current world No. 2 Justine Henin.

Tournament director Gavin Fletcher said: "The Lawn Tennis Association has enjoyed a strong relationship with Hastings Direct and we are grateful for their sponsorship.

"The deal has come to a natural conclusion and we are now actively looking for a new sponsor, who can benefit from massive exposure. The tournament will be going ahead regardless."

Meanwhile, last year's winner Henin is hoping this week's Paris Open will mark the start of a successful season after splitting from husband Pierre-Yves Hardenne.

Henin decided on her comeback two weeks ago.

She said: "It was during the Australian Open. I had been working hard and I told myself I would not be able to wait until the Dubai championships later in the month.

"It is because I love tennis so much. I just could not stay away from the courts any longer."